Tolu Bankole Advocates for Appointment of Supervisors for Persons with Disabilities in Local Governments
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Tolu Bankole, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, has made a compelling appeal to local government chairmen across Nigeria to appoint supervisors who will focus specifically on issues related to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). In a statement released in Abuja on Monday, Bankole stressed that these appointments are crucial for fostering greater inclusion of PWDs at the grassroots level, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court ruling that affirms the right of local governments to receive direct allocations from the federation account.
Bankole articulated the importance of establishing dedicated supervisors for PWD matters within local governments as a means to enhance equality and address the stigmatization faced by this community. He pointed out the significant gap in leadership representation for PWDs, noting that many local government areas still lack adequate inclusion of PWDs in decision-making roles, despite ongoing advocacy and calls for change.
To bridge this gap, Bankole proposed that each local government should appoint a supervisor—ideally a person with a disability—to serve as a direct liaison between the government and the PWD community. He emphasized that this role would be instrumental in amplifying the voices of PWDs, ensuring their concerns are heard, and advocating for their needs. Additionally, the appointed supervisors would help ensure that local policies align with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, which aims to protect the rights of PWDs and promote their full participation in society.
In his concluding remarks, Bankole urged local government leaders and stakeholders to rally behind this initiative, highlighting that such action would represent a significant step toward building a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians. His call to action reflects a commitment to not only recognizing the rights of PWDs but also actively working to integrate them into the fabric of governance and community life.
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