Ibadan, Nigeria: The Oyo State House of Assembly has pledged to amend the 2017 Disability Law following a comprehensive review submitted by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD).
Mr Sanjo Adedoyin, the Majority Leader, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Ibadan while receiving the outcomes of the CCD’s review of the Oyo State Disability Law.
Adedoyin said both the executive and legislative arms of government in Oyo State “do not joke with issues concerning Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).”
He assured that the Assembly would give PwDs the recognition they deserve, promising full cooperation with the CCD on its recommendations.
“It is part of our doctrine and policy to review all laws periodically to address gaps and new developments.
“I assure you, on behalf of Mr Speaker and the Assembly, that we will work assiduously to consider every concern raised in this framework,” Adedoyin said.
Earlier, Mrs Florence Chima-Austin, CCD Finance and Administration Manager, appealed to the Assembly to amend the law and include Civic Space Rights as a condition of inclusive governance.
She explained that the submitted document identified gaps in the 2017 law and proposed recommendations aligned with national and international disability frameworks.
Chima-Austin urged the Assembly to provide protective measures for PwDs during civic activities, sanctions for violators of their rights, and stronger collaboration with disability groups.
Other speakers, including Raheem Olatunji, Tunde Fadiya, Yusuf Adekunle and Olufemi Ojeniyi, commended Gov. Seyi Makinde’s administration for ensuring disability inclusion in Oyo governance.
Those present at the event included CCD Programme Officer, Mrs Christiana Njoku; CCD Senior Programme Officer, Mrs Florence Attah; and Director of Legislative Planning, Mrs Aderonke Ogundeji.
Also present were Mrs Tolulope Ilori, alongside other CCD representatives and Assembly officials.
