Edo disability commission hails Okpebholo, unveils bold inclusion agenda

Benin, Edo – Mr. Theophilus Egbodion, the newly appointed Chairman of the Governing Council of the Edo State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, has hailed Governor Monday Okpebholo’s establishment of the commission and his appointment as its pioneer chairman as a transformative milestone.
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‎In an exclusive interview with Daily South Nigeria on Thursday in Benin, Egbodion described the initiative as a significant shift in addressing the long-neglected needs of persons with disabilities in the state, marking the beginning of a new era of inclusion.
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‎Expressing his passion for the role, Egbodion outlined his primary objective: to act as a bridge between the disability community and the government.
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‎“Before now, nobody cared about the people with disabilities. Now I am here, I will hear from them what they need and report to the government to ensure they receive the assistance they deserve,” he said.
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‎Egbodion vision includes the creation of special schools in each of Edo State’s three senatorial districts, providing individuals with disabilities the option to pursue formal education or vocational skills training tailored to their aspirations.
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‎His agenda extends beyond education, aiming to dismantle the outdated stereotype of persons with disabilities as beggars.
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‎“Gone are those days when people living with disability are beggars. I will make sure that anybody living with disability is not a beggar. I will remove them from the streets and ensure they have access to what every other person has access to,” he declared with determination.
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‎To realize this ambitious plan, he has called for partnerships with the public, government, and international organizations, emphasizing a collaborative approach to support the commission’s efforts.
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‎He noted that the commission has commenced preparations for this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) event in the state, revealing a committee led by Barrister Melody Omosah has been set up for a successful occasion.
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‎The commission’s creation aligns with a 2022 law passed by the Edo State House of Assembly, designed to integrate persons with disabilities into society through enhanced access to education, healthcare, and socio-economic opportunities.
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