The Kwara State Government has created three emergency centers where cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) can be reported in the state, as reported by Punch.

The state Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Opeyemi Afolashade, announced the centers while speaking at the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities held at the Kwara School for Special Needs, Ilorin, on Thursday.

The event, organized by the State Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development in collaboration with the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment Project, was part of the activities held to mark the 16 days of activism against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.

Afolashade, who was represented by the Director of Women Affairs in the Ministry, Alhaja Nike Idris, identified the allocated centers to include the Kwara State General Hospital and Sobi Specialist Hospital. She also mentioned the Ministry of Women Affairs as well, while equally reeling out the telephone hotlines through which SGBV-related cases in the state can be reported.

The Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia

Sa’adatu Modibbo-Kawu called on people to show support and empathy for People Living with Disabilities, stressing that disability is not a barrier to achieving one’s dreams and aspirations; a testament to the present administration’s inclusive leadership.

The Commissioner, who was represented by Alhaji Abdulraheem Rufai, Director of Personnel, Finance and Supply at the ministry noted that the present administration frowns at discrimination and stigmatisation against PLWDs, adding that it is for this reason that the governor is leading by example in his manner of governance which is evident in the diversity and inclusion practiced even among the cabinet members.

She called on Non-Governmental Organisations, Civil Society Organisations, donors, and other partners to join hands with the government in ensuring equal and fair treatment of PLWDs.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Abosede Buraimoh, commended Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his dedication to ensuring that PLWDs are given the opportunity to contribute to the development of the state, thus, calling him the “Father of People Living With Disabilities in Kwara State.”

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Peter Ayanwale, the Commissioner, acknowledged the fact that there are three PLWDs who are permanent secretaries and others in positions of authority in the state.

She emphasised that because disability is not inability, therefore, she reminded the students that they can become anything they aspire to be, while urging them to be serious with their studies and be closer to God.

Earlier in his remarks, the Project Coordinator of Kwara AGILE, Mr. Adeshina Salami commended AbdulRazaq’s commitment to inclusive education and lauded his efforts in increasing enrolment, retention, and completion of secondary education, especially for girls in the state.

Salami also appreciated the governor for bringing the programme to Kwara, stating that, “AGILE is concerned with inclusive education for students, especially girls, even as he too assured that “schools will be made more conducive for learning by rehabilitating and constructing new schools where needed, life skills trainings will be done, there is also second chance education under the project.

“We have been having different programmes to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence and have collaborated with the Ministry of Women Affairs and other partners to organise a road walk and symposium.

Today, we are celebrating with you, and we want to assure you that your voices matter and that you are leaders too,” he said.

The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, Kwara Chapter, Comrade Bashir Yusuf observed that the “Sustainable Development Goals can be achieved when PLWDs are involved in everything decision-making process in line with the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

He called for more accessibility in the areas of education, employment, poverty eradication, and quality healthcare.

On her part, the Women Leader of JONAPWD, Mrs. Joy Bolarin urged the students “to sustain their dreams because there is enough room at the top for everybody only if you face your studies squarely.”

The Principal of the School for Special Needs, Engr. Abdulganiyu Olododo, who was represented by the Vice Principal, Hajia Rasheedat Jibril, hailed the team for celebrating the day with the students and teachers, noting that the students were excited to be celebrating the remarkable day.

Highlights of the day were presentations by the students, and they ranged from debates, choreography, news casting, amongst others. Gifts were later presented to the students.