Govt employs 30 persons with disabilities
Govt employs 30 persons with disabilities
By Adekola Afolabi
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The Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has approved the employment of 30 persons with disabilities to the civil service as he promised to continue to demonstrate empathy and compassion for those living with disabilities in the state.
Akeredolu, while inaugurating the board of agency for the welfare of Persons with Disabilities, said the inauguration of the board was first of its kind in the state since the agency was established on June 14, 2011 as an administrative arm.
He said his administration would leave no stone unturned in giving a better voice to the special people to enable them contribute their quotas to the development of the state.
The newly inaugurated Board has Mr. Sanmi Olorundare as Chairman. Other part-time members are: Mr. Akintade Toba; Mrs. Ademeko Busayo; Mr. Adenibuyan Success and Adigbo Olanrewaju.
The governor revealed that the constitution of the board is to strengthen it with all its full complement of personnel to help the agency achieve more by reaching out to the special people in every nook and cranny of the state.
Akeredolu noted that the special people were not useless in anyway, no matter their condition, and that there is ability in disability, stressing that his administration since it came on board has been trying its best to give a pride of place to persons with disabilities through various ways including appointment of a Special Assistant on Special Persons, among others.
Also, as a sign of recognition of persons living with disabilities in the state, Governor Akeredolu announced free healthcare services for all members of the group in the state hospitals.
Other areas the present administration has been giving people with disabilities a sense of belonging included release of annual subvention, presentation of recommended glasses to correct their eyes defect and sunscreen cream to protect their skin from sun burnt and cancer, celebration of International Day for Persons with Disabilities, and sponsorship of their elections, conferences, seminars and workshops.
The governor also charged them to continue to remain peaceful and law abiding so that they can continue to enjoy government’s support.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi commended the governor for the uncommon recognition given to persons with disabilities in the state, describing the development as first of its kind.
On his part, the new chairman, Sanmi Olorundare appreciated the governor for giving the group a sense of belonging saying Akeredolu is the first governor that would not discriminate against persons with disabilities.