Implement disability law before leaving office – Ogun PWDs beg Abiodun

The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) have urged Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to fully implement the Ogun State Disability Law before his term ends in eight months. The appeal was made during a joint press briefing held at the NUJ Press Centre in Abeokuta.

The Ogun State Disability Law was signed by former Governor Ibikunle Amosun in 2017, but has yet to be fully operationalised nearly nine years later. Abdulwahab Matepo, the National President of SCIAN, and Ayo Awobona, the Chairman of JONAPWD's Ogun State chapter, spoke at the briefing, emphasizing that a disability law must become a reality, not just a piece of paper.

They have been engaging the state government through various channels since 2025 without achieving any tangible results. The organizations argue that the existing law should be put into action, with any necessary amendments pursued through the legislature. They warn that the lack of implementation is causing significant issues in areas such as education, healthcare, transportation, employment, economic participation, and political engagement for persons with disabilities.

According to JONAPWD's 2025 data, there are approximately 1,032,221 persons with disabilities in Ogun State, based on a 15% benchmark from the National Population Commission, while the World Health Organisation estimates the global figure to be 16%. Matepo and Awobona call on Governor Abiodun to provide the necessary political direction to ensure the successful implementation of the disability law before his term concludes.

Awobona also urges all political parties and governorship candidates in the 2027 elections to prioritize disability inclusion in their platforms and to engage directly with persons with disabilities for inclusive governance.