As the International Day of People with disabilities is commemorated today, Special Adviser On Education Intervention to the Oyo State Governor, His Excellency Engineer Seyi, Honourable Oloye Suraj Abiodun Tiamy has made case for persons with disabilities to be accorded greater attention and support in order for them to accomplish destiny.
The Special Adviser On Education Intervention in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity Sanusi Abdullahi Oyelekan on Sunday Morning in Ibadan, described persons with disabilities as unique persons with competencies, talents and gifts that must be supported, developed and harnessed so that they can achieve their full potentials at appreciable levels for the Nation’s socioeconomic wellbeing.
Hon Tiamy disclosed that the International observance of the annual Day in line with the United Nations General Assembly resolution is aimed to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
According to his statement: "The theme for this Year 2023 celebration: 'United In Action To Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by Persons With Disabilities' is timely considering the relegation, discrimination, stigmatization and stereotype meted out persons with disabilities.
"With the world population at over 7 billion people and more than one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, living with some form of disabilities; 80 percent live in developing countries, it is imperative for government at all levels, NGOs and spirited individuals to tailor their policies, programmes and activities to include persons with disabilities to give them sense of belonging and provide them the platform to showcase their abilities.
"The general public is hereby urged to desist from all forms of discriminations against people with disabilities saying they didn’t wish their predicaments upon themselves", Tiamy said.
While wishing them a successful event across the world, he admonished them especially in Oyo State to be positive, concentrate on developing themselves especially on educational skills and put their God-given abilities to effective use in line sustainable development goals of the Engr Seyi Makinde led-administration in the state.
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