In a powerful demonstration of community leadership and social responsibility, the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area, Hon. Muhibat Titilola Rufai-Adeyemi, has reaffirmed her administration’s unwavering commitment to the full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in social, political, and economic life. This renewed pledge — made during a special event celebrating disability awareness — highlights strategic plans and budget commitments to ensure no one is left behind in local governance and development.
New Commitment to Empower Persons With Disabilities
At the maiden anniversary and Deaf Awareness Programme of the Ojo Deaf Association, the council’s leadership publicly declared its determination to embed inclusion across all of its programmes and interventions. The event’s theme — “No human rights without sign language rights” — underscored the intrinsic link between accessibility, communication rights, and equality for persons with disabilities.
The programme brought together members of the Deaf community, civil society organisations, and local government officials to advocate for enhanced integration, representation, and socioeconomic opportunities for citizens living with disabilities.
From Words to Action: A Comprehensive Inclusion Strategy
Speaking on behalf of the council chairman, Mr. Saba Babatunde Idris, Head of the Agricultural and Social Services Department, reiterated that the commitment to inclusion isn’t just symbolic — it’s now embedded into the planning and budgeting process. The council has already made budgetary provisions for disability inclusion in its 2026 financial year, ensuring that support for PWDs moves beyond rhetoric to meaningful implementation.
Mr. Idris also outlined key action points, including:
- Political participation support, ensuring PWDs can register to vote and hold elected or appointed positions.
- Identification and empowerment of qualified individuals within the disability community for representative roles.
- Increased access to council-led empowerment programmes that reflect the needs of persons with disabilities.
These steps reinforce the notion that disability inclusion is not merely an add-on but a core part of local governance and civic engagement.
Empowering Sign Language Recognition and Community Engagement
The council chair also encouraged members of the Ojo Deaf Association to formalise their relationship with the local government through registration — a move described as key to unlocking deeper collaboration and participation in government initiatives.
Requests from the deaf community — including the appointment of a Special Assistant on Disability Matters and the provision of hearing aids — were affirmed for consideration by the executive chairman. Such steps aim to tangibly improve quality of life and communication access for citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Expert Voices Highlight Gaps and Opportunities
Guest speaker Dr. Olalekan Mohammed, a lecturer from Lagos State University, commended the broader efforts by Lagos State to support PWDs but also called attention to lingering gaps in implementation. He identified several barriers that continue to hinder full equality:
- Shortage of trained sign language interpreters
- Transportation barriers that limit mobility
- Insufficient inclusive educational facilities
- Need for more special education teachers and technology
Dr. Mohammed’s remarks amplified the urgency for not only policy commitments but practical solutions across sectors to realise an inclusive society.
Voices From the Community: Real Needs, Real Impact
In his address, Comrade Abiodun Edusi Okhoibolec, Chairman of the Ojo Deaf Association, highlighted the group’s achievements over the past year — spanning advocacy for education, healthcare, and employment access. He stressed that meaningful inclusion requires not just awareness but measurable improvements in communication rights, accessibility, and institutional recognition of sign language.
His appeal reinforced that inclusion isn’t a passive ideal — it’s an ongoing journey requiring joint effort from government, the private sector, and society at large.
