The Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (OYSAPD) and Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) have entered a strategic partnership to promote an inclusive society where all citizens enjoy equal civic rights.
The collaboration was unveiled on Thursday in Ibadan during an advocacy visit by CCD to OYSAPD, aimed at strengthening disability inclusion and civic engagement across the state.
Mr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, OYSAPD Director-General, commended Gov. Seyi Makinde for creating the agency and providing an enabling environment for People with Disabilities (PwDs).
Adekanmbi appreciated CCD for its consistent efforts in promoting disability rights and championing the protection of persons with disabilities in Nigeria’s civic space.
He declared OYSAPD’s readiness to work closely with CCD to advance policies and programmes that would improve the welfare of persons with disabilities in Oyo State.
“Our vision is a fully inclusive and accessible Oyo State where persons with disabilities can participate in all community activities without discrimination,” Adekanmbi said.
He added that the government’s sustainable development programmes must fully integrate persons with disabilities to ensure fairness and equal opportunities across society.
Mr. Olusola Dairo, OYSAPD Director of Administration and Supply, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to eliminating discrimination and creating equal opportunities for PwDs in every aspect of social living.
“Equal rights for PwDs are the fulcrum of our mandate. We are dedicated to safeguarding them from bias and ensuring fairness across Oyo State,” Dairo said.
Mrs Christiana Njoku, CCD Project Officer, explained that the advocacy visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with OYSAPD to enhance disability inclusion in governance and civic participation.
Njoku said CCD’s mission is to empower persons with disabilities to enjoy their rights and contribute meaningfully to the political and socio-economic development of their communities.
Mrs Florence Chima-Austin, CCD Finance and Administration Manager, declared the organisation’s determination to ensure PwDs enjoy equal rights in the civic space and inclusive governance nationwide.
She listed CCD’s previous projects and the recent review of the Oyo State Persons with Disabilities Law as well as the advocacy visit to the State House of Assembly..
Chima-Austin also declared the organisation’s readiness to collaborate with any agency or organisation willing to promote inclusive civic space for all PwDs
The new OYSAPD–CCD partnership is expected to inspire stronger policies, break societal barriers and build a society where PwDs can thrive without discrimination or exclusion.
The event featured the presentation of briefs, recommendations and other documents to Adekanmbi, the OYSAPD Director-General.p
