Council chair urges PWDs’ participation in politics

Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area, Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi... Credit: ojolga.lg.gov

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The Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area, Muhibat Rufai-Adeyemi, has restated the council’s commitment to improving social and political inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Rufai-Adeyemi also promised stronger representation for them in all its programmes and initiatives.

Her stance was conveyed by the Head of Agricultural and Social Services, Saba Idris, during the maiden anniversary and Deaf Awareness Programme of the Ojo Deaf Association, held at the council’s Multi-Purpose Hall on Wednesday.

The event, with the theme “No Human Right Without Sign Language Right,” brought together members of the deaf community, civil society groups, and council officials.

Idris said the council had recently held engagements with visually impaired residents, adding that the council was already making provisions for them in its 2026 budget.

“Political participation starts with activities like voter registration. Disability will not prevent anyone from voting, and persons with disabilities can also occupy positions within the council. We are committed to inclusion,” he said.

He explained that the council was working to identify qualified individuals within the disability community who could serve in representative roles.

A lecturer at Lagos State University, Olalekan Mohammed, in his presentation, commended the state government for implementing policies for persons with special needs but noted gaps that still hindered access.

He listed challenges such as limited interpreters, transportation difficulties, and inadequate inclusive schools.

He said, “We have 44 inclusive schools, but this is not enough for Lagos. We need more units, more technology, and more trained special education teachers.”

He, however, praised LASU, the Lagos State University of Education, and federal institutions that now offer special education programmes, saying the development reduces the stress of travelling long distances for training.

The Chairman of the Ojo Deaf Association, Abiodun Okhoibolec, highlighted the group’s efforts over the past year in pushing for better access to education, healthcare, and employment for deaf persons.

He stressed the need for more interpreters, integration of sign language in schools and recognition of sign language in public institutions, noting that equal access to communication was a fundamental right.

Okhoibolec urged the local government, the private sector and the wider society to continue supporting efforts to ensure equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities.

Dayo, a Sociology graduate, covers City and Crime on the Metro Desk. He is a resourceful, self-motivated and result-driven journalist.

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