A member representing Obokun Constituency in the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewumi Adeyemi has commended a prominent, faith-based and Non-governmental Organization in the State also known as Justice, Development and Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC), Osogbo for its enriched contributions towards the Osun State Disability Protection Bill, 2023.

Honourable Adewumi gave the commendation on the floor of the House during the Public Hearing on the Osun State Disability Protection bill, 2023 sponsored by the Lawmaker.

The Lawmaker described JDPMC Osogbo as a game changer in the drive for human capital development and added that its zeal and passion for promoting inclusivity irrespective of gender, colour, race and religion could not matched in the State.

Speaking further, the lawmaker said that the contributions of the Organization had immensely enriched the Bill and made it worthwhile, he therefore assured the Organization and the General Public that every contribution made would be considered during the next committee hearing on the bill.

“I am not surprised at the contributions made by the JDPMC on the floor of the House today, your zeal and passion for the less privileged particularly your drive for human capital development initiative has always been second to none. You have enriched this Bill and your contributions are golden, I equally assure the people of Osun that every contribution to this Bill will be considered accordingly.” He said.

Earlier in his recommendations on behalf of the Organization, the General Coordinator of the Justice, Development and Peace Makers, Centre, Osogbo, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi said that the Bill was not far from the heartbeat and yearnings of the Persons With Disabilities and lauded the thoughtfulness of the lawmaker as well as the entire 8th Osun Assembly under the Leadership of Honourable Speaker, Adewale Egbedun.

Fr. Akinkunmi however pointed out the need for creating sections that would promote Persons With Disabilities’ participation in Politics and Governance as well as the establishment of an Agency that would expressly be in charge of the Bill for proper implementation.

He therefore noted that the Organization was more than willing to partner with Corporate Bodies or Individuals of shared visions in bringing change to the State and Country at large.

The highlight of the RECOMMENDATIONS of the JDPMC:

1. PWDs PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE.

There is a need to include a section that will promote Persons With Disabilities’ (PWDs) participation in Politics and Governance with the specific provision from the Political party to give a certain percentage to PWDs to contest for different elective positions at all levels of government in the state. Also in terms of appointment, a minimum of 5% must be earmarked for all appointments in the state at all levels of government.

2. THE NEED FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF GOVERNMENT AGENCY FOR PWDs

There should also be an agency of Government which may be under the Ministry of Sports and Special Needs that will be in charge of the implementation of this bill as many other necessary provisions needed by PWDs, by implication, this will enable the Government to have the support of foreign donors or Philanthropists who could help in some areas of the needs of PWDs in the state.