TheCable

Akin Obanise, senior special assistant on disability matters to Biodun Oyebanji, governor of Ekiti, has advocated for increased inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in governance and social services in the state.

Obanise made the plea at a meeting organised by the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC), while commending the state government for prioritising disability inclusion.

He cited the renovation of special schools, and palliatives given to PWDs to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on petrol, as some of the initiatives that have positively impacted people with disabilities.

He said some of the problems facing the disability community in the state include poverty, discrimination, unemployment and inaccessible public facilities.

He appealed to JAAC for assistance in different areas including political appointments, inclusion in social security policy, creation of disability desk units, data collation, employment quotas and accessible infrastructure.

He thanked JAAC for giving him the opportunity to address them and said he is optimistic about their support for the community.