PRESS STATEMENT
30-10-2024
‘Allegations untrue, misleading’ – Aransi reacts to claims of neglecting PWDs.
My attention has been drawn to a publication on Osun Defenders, a local newspaper based in Osogbo in which the Chairman, Secretary and Women coordinator of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) accused Prince Kola Adewusi, the deputy governor of Osun State and myself of neglecting Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the state.
These allegations are untrue, misleading and plainly intended to blackmail my office. They represent the thoughts of those who want the government to fail and people with disabilities to suffer and they’re upset because we’ve decided to watch them feed on negativity, using PWD group as a form of blackmail.
Ordinarily, such assertions should be entirely ignored and disregarded, but I have genuine and unwavering respect for persons with disabilities. As a result, I decided to address these assertions in order to dispel the myths spread by individuals who use JONAPWD to advance their own objectives.
Let me be clear: I have never received a letter from One House Development Initiative, either in person, by mail or a letter received in my office, or through text message to my phone number. The claim that the NGO has been trying to meet with me is incorrect and should be discarded by the public.
It is important to note that I have a long list of visionary and purposeful foundations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with which we collaborate to improve the lives of people with disabilities throughout the state. It defies logic that one NGO established on April 18th, 2024, about which I had no knowledge of its existence, would allege that Osun State government did not include them as stakeholders in decision-making.
I have been working productively with non-governmental organizations (NGOs)and I’m open to more NGOs interested in improving the lives of persons living with disabilities in the state. The claim that my talks with the leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities produced no results is inaccurate, incorrect, and misleading.
Each meeting I had with JONAPWDs and other associations was fruitful and detailed. I have recommended many decisions from our meetings for careful execution and I have also talked extensively about my thoughts and plans, which we both looked into holistically.
Here are some of the accomplishments I have recorded in my seven months in office as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Special Needs:
Facilitation of annual grant and subvention from Osun State Government to the leadership of JONAPWD.
Facilitation of statewide registration of persons with disabilities, the first of its kind in any state in Nigeria
Contributing to the Passage of Disability Protection Bill and signing into law by Mr. Governor.
Working closely with the management of Ọṣun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) to facilitate the enrollment of all persons with disabilities in the state on OHIS.
Facilitation of free medical treatment of persons with disabilities in any health facility in accordance with the Disability Protection Act 2024.
Working closely with the Ministry of Justice, some reputable NGOs, individuals and Nigeria Police for criminal prosecution on infringement of fundamental rights of persons with disabilities in various courts in Ọṣun State.
Evacuation, medical treatment and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities and mentally challenged persons in government facilities.
Distribution of hundreds of bags of palliative rice, garri and maize for persons with disabilities.
Training, empowering and providing equipment for persons with disabilities in Iwo and Ede respectively in partnership with some reputable organizations.
Empowerment and inclusion of JONAPWD Farmers group in Ọṣun State Broiler Scheme and issuance of empowerment cheque of about 8.6M naira through the Ministry of Agriculture.
Government participation and involvement with White Cane Day of the blind cluster of JONAPWD.
World Disability Day celebration by the state government in conjunction with JONAPWD and reputable NGOs and many more.
My team and I are not simply byproducts of history when it comes to leadership. We are fully committed to the development and advancement of those with disabilities in Osun State. Again, we tell the skeptics that they have missed it, and they cannot frustrate the Adeleke-led administration or suffer the Disability community. For skeptics and naysayers, the loss is twofold.
Thank you.
Kamil Aransi.
Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Special Needs.
