The Executive Assistant to the Oyo State Governor on Disability Matters, Hon. Timothy Olufemi Sunday, has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as unprecedented support, inclusion and empowerment of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Oyo State, noting that the current administration has redefined governance with a human-centred and inclusive approach.
Hon. Olufemi made this submission during an exclusive interview with Oodua News Newspaper, where he spoke extensively on the governor’s policies, programmes and interventions aimed at improving the lives and socio-economic wellbeing of persons living with disabilities across the state.
According to him, Governor Makinde’s administration has demonstrated genuine compassion and political will in ensuring that PWDs are not only recognised but fully integrated into the governance structure and development agenda of Oyo State.
“For the first time in the history of Oyo State, persons with disabilities are not treated as afterthoughts. Governor Seyi Makinde has shown, through action and policy implementation, that disability inclusion is not charity but a right,” Hon. Olufemi stated.
He recalled that one of the most remarkable milestones of the Makinde administration was the establishment of an Agency for PWD to oversee disability matters, a move he said signalled the governor’s seriousness about inclusivity and social justice.
“We really appreciate governor Makinde for his good policy which has transformed PWD across the state. The governor since assumption of office has contributed immensely to our lives, so many of us were offered employment both at state and local government level.
“I was offered an appointment as Special Adviser during the first term and by the second term the governor elevated me to Executive Assistance. Many were empowered and encouraged with cash support to start Business.”
Hon. Olufemi explained that the governor has consistently approved empowerment programmes, financial assistance, skills acquisition initiatives and employment opportunities for PWDs, cutting across different categories of disabilities.
“Governor Makinde believes strongly that disability is not inability. This belief has translated into concrete actions — from job placements in government agencies to empowerment schemes that enable persons with disabilities to become economically independent,” he said.
The Executive Assistant further noted that the administration has ensured that PWDs are represented in governance, boards and committees, thereby giving them a voice in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
He added that beyond appointments, the Makinde government has also prioritized accessibility in public infrastructure, stressing that ongoing and newly executed projects across the state are increasingly disability-friendly.
“We are seeing improvements in public buildings, road projects and facilities to ensure accessibility. This administration understands that development is incomplete if a section of the population is excluded,” Olufemi emphasized.
Hon. Olufemi also praised the governor for his consistent engagement with disability groups and associations, describing him as a listening leader who values dialogue and inclusiveness.
According to him, the governor has repeatedly assured persons with disabilities of his commitment to their welfare, promising that no policy of his government would discriminate against any citizen on the basis of physical challenges.
“Governor Makinde does not just listen; he acts. Many of the interventions we see today are outcomes of direct engagements between the government and disability stakeholders,” he said.
He further disclosed that several PWDs in Oyo State have benefited from so many schemes, healthcare support and social protection programmes under the current administration, adding that these initiatives have helped reduce hardship and restore dignity among beneficiaries.
Hon. Olufemi urged persons with disabilities to continue supporting the Makinde administration, noting that the governor’s inclusive leadership has earned the trust and loyalty of vulnerable groups across the state.
“This is a government that genuinely cares. The support of persons with disabilities for Governor Makinde is based on visible results, not empty promises,” he said.
He also called on other states in the federation to emulate Oyo State’s disability-friendly governance model, stressing that inclusive leadership is key to sustainable development. He also urged members of the society to embrace and relate well the PWB in order to encourage them to live normally.
As he concluded the interview, Hon. Timothy Olufemi Sunday reaffirmed the commitment of his office to advancing the rights, welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities, pledging continued collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the governor’s vision for an inclusive Oyo State is fully realized.
“With Governor Seyi Makinde, persons with disabilities have found a true ally in governance. Oyo State is today a reference point for disability inclusion in Nigeria,” he declared.
