International Disability Day: Gov Adeleke Unveils Empowerment Programme For Persons With Disabilities

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has rolled out a new empowerment programme for 250 persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) with Point-of-Sale (POS) devices, marking International Disability Day on December 3 and coinciding with his third anniversary in office.

Speaking, Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) Executive Secretary, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, detailed the initiative’s scope and the administration’s broader achievements in supporting vulnerable groups.

Akindele disclosed this during a joint press briefing on Monday at OSHIA conference room in Abeere, Osun state.

Akindele described the POS distribution as “yet another commendable gesture” from the governor, emphasizing Adeleke’s “magnanimity, passion for the people, and genuineness of purpose in governance.”

He highlighted how the program builds on previous efforts, including last year’s enrollment of all PLWDs into the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) for free healthcare, alongside the provision of assistive devices such as motorized wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks, hearing aids, inhalers, infrared creams, and glasses.

“Thousands of PLWDs benefited from that,” he said.

Akindele outlined OSHIA’s key accomplishments in 2025, which includes the School Eye Health Initiative where there was comprehensive screening of over 450,000 public, primary and secondary school student, with 45,120 diagnosed with vision issues. Eighty percent received interventions like medical treatments and corrective lenses, while 20% underwent surgeries.

Inmate Enrollment where 1,200 inmates from Ilesa and Ile-Ife Correctional Centers were enrolled in OHIS.

Also, the facilities’ health centers were accredited, with ongoing capitation payments ensuring continuous care.

OSHIA also funded a borehole at the Osun State Chapter of the National Association of Pensioners’ secretariat, providing clean water to enhance senior citizens’ health and well-being.

Advanced Medical Equipment, Rates were also increased from N570 to N700, making OSHIA the highest-paying health insurance agency in Southwest Nigeria.

Rotarian Ayobami Oyetunde, the executive secretary, Bureau Of People Living With Disabilities who assumed his role following the bureau’s creation in January 2025 under the newly approved Osun State People with Disabilities Law, praised Adeleke for fulfilling promises on disability inclusion.

“He has given room for total inclusion of people with disabilities in the governance of Osun State,” Oyetunde said, noting the governor’s directives to OSHIA for free healthcare extending to PLWD schoolchildren.

The empowerment initiative aims to make life “more meaningful” for recipients by fostering economic independence. Oyetunde announced

Oyetunde noted that additional activities for International Disability Day include an awareness walk on December 2 from Olaiya Junction to Igbona and back to Freedom Park, to highlight the administration’s efforts.

He also revealed plans for updated data capturing of over 4,000 PLWDs in the state to ensure accurate figures for future interventions.

Oyetunde mentioned federal recognition of Osun for integrated schools, with 15 institutions selected for support, and referenced last year’s assistive device distribution as part of ongoing progress.

“As far as disability is concerned in Osun State, the governor has made it more meaningful so that they will know that they also came to this life to be celebrated and to succeed,” Oyetunde added.