“I have no regrets about appointing PLWDs”- Gov AbdulRazaq

On Tuesday, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the governor of Kwara State, gave an explanation for his appointment of disabled people to leadership roles in his administration.

He claimed that he made these selections on purpose to provide people with impairments a voice in matters of governance.

He declared that he does not regret making the choice.

The governor gave a speech in the state capital of Ilorin during the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year.

Two PWDs were designated Permanent Secretaries by the governor in June.

The governor remembered how, at the beginning of his administration, he met with the administration of ministries, departments, and agencies at the School for Special Needs, Ilorin, to discuss the budget. The governor was represented by Senior Adviser and Counselor, Alhaji Saadu Salahu.

According to him, a single move has allowed his administration to make numerous school facility repairs that will better support the learning needs of “our wonderful special students.”

Let me remind you that when I started this administration, I observed that people with special needs are frequently shunned by society. To help everyone understand the difficulties you are facing, I purposefully moved the budget meeting with the management of all MDAs to the School for Special Needs.

The governor stated, “We want to acknowledge your contributions to the advancement of the country and inspire faith in all of us that, despite our differences, we can rise to any height in society.

The event’s theme, “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for persons with disabilities,” was deemed highly appropriate by AbdulRazaq, who reassured people with disabilities that his administration would always accommodate their needs within the constraints of available resources.

As you remember, one of you was nominated to serve as your representative in our administration when you joined this government. Additionally, we have promoted individuals with special needs to higher positions in the public service. This illustrates how inclusive this administration is by giving you a voice in matters of governance. I don’t regret making this crucial choice.

“I would like to take this opportunity to restate that our government maintains an open-door policy that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds without bias. “You have the utmost respect from the government, and I will do everything in our power to meet your needs,” the governor declared.

During her speech, Barrister Olaoye Jumoke, the director of the Human Rights Commission, emphasized the need of protecting individual rights and upholding human dignity, regardless of one’s ability.

She reaffirmed that the commission is prepared to support individuals with disabilities at all times when their rights are violated.

Prior to this, Governor AbdulRazaq and President Bola Tinubu were praised by Comrade Yusuf Bashir, the state chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, for their support of the PLWD.

He notably commended Governor AbdulRazaq for looking out for their well-being and for putting some of them to public office and the state civil service, as well as President Tinubu for naming one of them as a Special Adviser.