Ilorin, Nigeria – In a bold move toward inclusive governance and social justice, the Kwara State Government has earned high praise for making history with the largest-ever employment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state’s civil service. This commendation comes from Honourable Soliu Habeeb Babaoloye, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Needs, who has hailed the action as a game-changer in the fight for equal opportunity and empowerment for the disability community.
Honourable Babaoloye expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for what he described as the Governor’s “unwavering and practical commitment to inclusive governance.” He noted that the administration has consistently placed the welfare and rights of PWDs at the forefront of its development agenda—transforming policies from mere words on paper into tangible life-changing outcomes.
At the heart of this recent achievement is the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), which recently concluded a groundbreaking recruitment exercise that saw no fewer than 31 persons with disabilities employed into the state’s teaching workforce. This, according to Honourable Babaoloye, represents the most inclusive recruitment effort ever recorded in the history of Kwara State.
“This development is not just symbolic—it is historic,” Babaoloye said. “For the first time, we are seeing an administration deliberately walking the talk when it comes to disability inclusion. It is by far the most inclusive recruitment exercise in our state’s history, and a bold step toward dismantling the systemic barriers that have excluded PWDs from formal employment for decades.”
He commended the TESCOM Chairman and his team for their transparency, professionalism, and commitment to fairness in the recruitment process, stating that the inclusion of PWDs was not an act of tokenism but a result of a transparent and merit-based selection process. “They provided a level playing field for all candidates regardless of their physical conditions, and that’s exactly what inclusive governance looks like,” he added.
Beyond the employment milestone, Honourable Babaoloye emphasized that this move is a reflection of Governor AbdulRazaq’s broader agenda of building a state where no one is left behind. He recalled several other interventions by the administration, including the passage of the Kwara State Disability Law, and regular consultations with representatives of the disability community on policy matters.
“This administration has not only listened—it has acted,” Babaoloye affirmed. “From economic empowerment programs to inclusive education policies and health interventions tailored to the needs of PWDs, the Governor has shown us that inclusion is not a privilege but a right.”
Looking ahead, Babaoloye revealed that the state government has more initiatives in the pipeline, aimed at deepening the empowerment of persons with disabilities. He hinted at upcoming programs focused on vocational training, accessible infrastructure, and support for PWD-led enterprises, which he believes will further unlock the potential of the disability community in Kwara.
“These are not just promises—they are plans already in motion,” he said confidently. “We are working closely with development partners, disability advocates, and government agencies to roll out sustainable programs that foster dignity, independence, and self-reliance among PWDs.”
Honourable Babaoloye concluded by reiterating the unflinching support of the disability community for the AbdulRazaq-led administration, pledging continued collaboration to achieve a Kwara State where inclusion is not a policy on paper, but a way of life.
“Persons with disabilities across Kwara State will forever remain grateful to this administration,” he said. “This is more than politics—it is about legacy, humanity, and the right side of history. We stand solidly with His Excellency, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, as he continues to champion an inclusive, just, and progressive Kwara for all.”
As the news of this historic employment continues to generate positive reactions across the state and beyond, stakeholders in disability advocacy are calling on other states in Nigeria to emulate Kwara’s example and make inclusion not just a vision, but a visible reality.
