The Executives of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ogun State Chapter went on a Courtesy Visit to Ogun State National Orientation Agency for the purpose of familiarization and to discuss modalities towards an inclusive society.
National Orientation Agency is a government entity that raises awareness, positively change attitudes, values and behaviours; accurately and adequately inform; and sufficiently mobilize citizens to act in ways that promote peace and harmony.
The Chairman, Ogun JONAPWD after introducing the Association and the executives made the request for the Agency’s understanding towards accommodating Persons with Disabilities (PWD) participation in their various capacity building programmes as a drive to ensure inclusivity in every aspect of human development in Ogun State.
He also stated the need to initiate empowerment of the less privileged among our members and also recruit the qualified into the agency’s workforce.
Mr. Isaac Odutola, one of the Association’s elder also emphasized on the need to station Sign Language Interpreters at specific locations such as hospitals and offices to break barrier of communication for the Deaf. He also stated the need for a specific advocacy on behalf of Persons with Disabilities in Ogun State.
The Director, Ogun State National Orientation Agency, Mr. Kolawole Obadina responded by firstly, appreciated God for preserving the lives of Persons with Disabilities, he appreciated our visitation and made known that, the Agency is aware of our plights and they have been contributing quota towards accommodation of PWD in the State. Their advocacy is part of the sources that birthed the voting easement strategy for the PWD at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He promised a restructure to their programs to accommodate Ogun State Persons with Disabilities. He explained the interest-free loan facility designed for the PWD which its activity is ongoing, every Person with Disability have access to a N50,000 loan facility which will be increased after faithful repayment.
He promised automatic employment of a Sign Language Interpreter that is ready to work with the Agency and qualified Persons with Disabilities are free to apply for jobs at their agency.
He also promised social orientation as Persons with Disabilities are concerned and advised us to visit NHIS office situated at Totoro, Abeokuta for the purpose of accessibility for the PWD in the State.
The Deputy Director of the Agency, Mr. Adeboye Aderibigbe further narrated the guides for the PWD to enjoy social benefits.
The visitation ended with networking with departmental officials within the agency.
