SCIAN Leads 3-Day Advocacy Campaign, Engages Key Government Ministries, Legislature, and Traditional Rulers
A renewed push for the implementation and amendment of Ogun State’s 2017 Disability Law has gained significant traction as the disability community, under the leadership of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), concluded a 3-day intensive advocacy campaign in Abeokuta, the state capital.
The advocacy drive, supported by the Disability Rights Fund (DRF), aimed at fostering collaboration, securing government commitment, and enhancing public awareness on the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ogun State. The effort followed a two-day workshop where disability stakeholders reviewed the existing law clause by clause, identifying necessary amendments to strengthen its implementation.
Armed with bound copies of the 2017 law and the proposed amendments, the delegation, comprising disability cluster heads and selected members of the disability community, embarked on a strategic engagement tour, visiting key government institutions including the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, Ministry of Justice, the Ogun State House of Assembly, and the palace of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom.
Women Affairs Ministry Pledges Commitment to Inclusion
At the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development, the advocacy team was warmly received by the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adewale, and later met with the Honorable Commissioner, Hon. Adijat Adeleye.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, SCIAN’s Interim National President, Mr. Abdulwahab Matepo, presented the proposed amendments and passionately urged the ministry to play a pivotal role in facilitating their adoption and implementation. He emphasized that the current disability law had remained largely unimplemented, depriving thousands of PWDs in Ogun State of their fundamental rights and access to necessary services.
In response, Hon. Adeleye assured the delegation of the government’s commitment to passing a robust and implementable disability law. She revealed that the state was working on a Discrimination, Equity, and Inclusion Law, currently before the House of Assembly, which, if passed, would also address some issues concerning PWDs.
Nonetheless, she pledged to review the disability community’s submission carefully, stating that her ministry would rely on the expertise of the Permanent Secretary, a seasoned lawyer and former Director of Public Prosecution, to guide the process.
Physical Planning Ministry Acknowledges Accessibility Concerns
Recognizing the critical role of urban development in ensuring accessibility, the advocacy team also visited the Ministry of Physical Planning & Urban Development, where they were received by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Sakirudeen Salaam.
The delegation emphasized the urgent need for inclusive physical infrastructure that accommodates PWDs, ensuring that public buildings, roads, and other facilities comply with accessibility standards.
Engr. Salaam acknowledged the concerns raised, stressing that humanity should guide policy implementation in addressing the needs of PWDs. He assured the team that the Ministry remains committed to supporting their cause and that increased awareness on disability issues is essential for achieving sustainable solutions.
The meeting also had in attendance the Director of Urban Development and the Director of Physical Planning, both of whom pledged to work towards fostering inclusivity in the state’s physical development plans.
Royal Endorsement from the Olowu of Owu Kingdom
The advocacy campaign extended to the traditional leadership of Ogun State with a visit to HRM, Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu.
Mr. Matepo, in his address, stressed the urgent need for disability law implementation, urging the royal father to lend his influence in advocating for the realization of disability rights in Ogun State.
The Orunto of Owu, Chief Abiodun Lasile, expressed his delight at the visit, acknowledging the existence of the 2017 law while expressing optimism that its implementation would soon become a reality, especially with the disability community taking proactive steps to engage stakeholders.
The Olowu of Owu commended the advocacy team for their determination and pledged his full support in ensuring the necessary connections were made to achieve the objectives of the disability community.
Ogun State House of Assembly: Lawmakers Assure Legislative Action
To engage the legislative arm of the government, the team visited the Ogun State House of Assembly, where they were received by the Honorable Speaker, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, alongside key lawmakers, including the Deputy Speaker, Majority Leader, Minority Leader, Deputy Chief Whip, and seven other key legislators from various zones in the state.
Addressing the lawmakers, Mr. Matepo lamented Ogun State’s status as the only South-Western state yet to implement its disability law despite having passed it in 2017. He expressed hope that the proactive steps taken by the disability community in suggesting amendments would gain the House’s approval.
In his response, Hon. Elemide commended the resilience of the disability community, noting that disability is not exclusive to any group, as anyone could acquire a disability at any point in life. Drawing inspiration from religious texts, he referenced Moses, a stammerer, whom God still used as a leader despite his speech impairment.
The Speaker assured the delegation that the House would thoroughly review the proposed amendments and take necessary actions to ensure the law is strengthened and effectively implemented.
Ministry of Justice: Legal Backing for Amendments
The last stop for the advocacy team was the Ministry of Justice, where they were received by Permanent Secretary and Solicitor-General, Mr. Olusegun Olaotan.
Mr. Matepo reiterated the frustration of the disability community, stating that despite having a disability law, the lack of implementation rendered it meaningless. He explained that their engagement with the Disability Rights Fund led to a workshop where proposed amendments were drafted, aimed at making the law more effective.
Apologizing for the absence of the Honorable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, who was in a crucial meeting with the Governor, Mr. Olaotan assured the team that the Ministry would take their submission seriously.
He commended the strategic approach taken by the disability community, promising that their voices would not go unheard and that the Ministry would actively involve them in any legal reform process concerning disability rights.
Advocacy Efforts Yield Positive Commitments
Throughout the advocacy campaign, the SCIAN-led delegation distributed copies of the 2017 law, the proposed amendments, promotional fliers, posters, and stickers to all officials they engaged with.
The overwhelmingly positive responses from government ministries, lawmakers, and traditional rulers signaled a renewed commitment to addressing the challenges faced by PWDs in Ogun State.
With assurances of collaboration, legal backing, and policy review, the disability community remains optimistic that its sustained advocacy efforts will soon yield tangible results in the full amendment and implementation of the Ogun State Disability Law.
As the struggle for disability rights gains momentum, all eyes are now on the Ogun State Government to translate these commitments into actionable policies that will uplift the lives of thousands of PWDs across the state.
