PLWDs Hail Gov Ododo for Inclusive Governance, Appointments

Persons with Disabilities in Lokoja have applauded the Kogi state governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for intentionally including persons with disability in his political appointments.

The members particularly celebrate Gov Ododo for the recent appointment of Hon Ibrahim Daniel Arome as Senior Special Assistant on Grassroot Mobilisation in clear recognition of his contributions to the state’s political development particularly in recognition of his contributions to the ruling party and the state.

Hon Arome, who is the Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), had previously served under the administration of former Governor Yahaya Bello as the pioneer Chairman of the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSODA).

His appointment brings to five the number of Persons with Disabilities appointed as Senior Special Assistants by the current administration, following years of advocacy for greater political inclusion in the state.

Disability activists described the appointment as “a political milestone for the disability community in Kogi State.”

Comrade Davies Oluwasegun Solomon said Arome’s appointment reflects greater political inclusion in the state. He said; “This is another good time for the disability community as one of us, Comrade Daniel Ibrahim Arome, has been appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor from Kogi East Senatorial District. 

“As Chairman of JONAPWD, he has demonstrated commitment and loyalty to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the All Progressives Congress (APC). This honour portrays Governor Ododo as a visionary leader committed to the growth and development of Persons with Disabilities in the state. The Governor has empowered the disability community to play a greater role in politics and electioneering.”

Solomon also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Bello for signing the Kogi State disability law, which led to the establishment of the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSODA).

He appealed to Governor Ododo to create more job opportunities for qualified Persons with Disabilities and implement the five percent employment provision for PWDs in the state.

The President of the Association of Applicants and Workers with Disabilities in Nigeria, Comrade Samuel Mark expressed gratitude to the state government for giving Persons with Disabilities a greater sense of belonging.

He, however, urged the Kogi State Government and the Nigerian Government to support constitutional amendments that would create special legislative seats for Persons with Disabilities in State Houses of Assembly and local government legislative councils.

Mark said “the move would strengthen political inclusion and enhance the economic and social empowerment of Persons with Disabilities while safeguarding their rights to education, transportation and other socio-economic opportunities.”