The Special Adviser to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Special Needs, Kamil Aransi has refuted recent allegations that the state government has neglected Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Osun Defender reports that the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Osun State Chapter recently lamented over neglect of its members by the State Government.
They made their grievances known in a statement seen signed by the Chairman, Secretary and Women Coordinator of JONAPWDs, Stephen Oluwafemi, Smith Aghanti, and Elizabeth Ishola respectively.
They expressed frustration and feeling for being neglected many times by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi and Kamil Aransi.
However, in a statement issued Tuesday, Aransi labeled the accusations as “untrue, misleading, and plainly intended to blackmail” his office.
He stated that such assertions are “the thoughts of those who want the government to fail and people with disabilities to suffer,” asserting that these critics are upset because the government has chosen to reject their negative tactics.
To address the allegations, Aransi outlined several initiatives his office has undertaken to improve the welfare of Osun’s disability community.
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He cited, among other accomplishments, the facilitation of an annual grant and subvention from the state government to JONAPWD, the historic launch of a statewide registration program for persons with disabilities, and support in the passage of the Disability Protection Bill, which has now been signed into law.
Aransi also dismissed claims that he has ignored efforts from certain non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to engage with him, clarifying that he has never received any communication from the One House Development Initiative, a local NGO.
“The claim that the NGO has been trying to meet with me is incorrect and should be discarded by the public,” he stated.
He went on to list numerous initiatives his office has coordinated, including; collaboration with the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) to facilitate free medical treatment for persons with disabilities, providing training and empowerment programs in Iwo and Ede, issuing an 8.6 million Naira empowerment cheque to JONAPWD Farmers group as part of the Osun Broiler Scheme and others.
Aransi reiterated his commitment to advancing the welfare of PWDs, underscoring the Adeleke administration’s dedication to inclusivity and social justice.
“My team and I are fully committed to the development and advancement of those with disabilities in Osun State,” he affirmed, dismissing attempts by detractors to undermine the government’s efforts.
He concluded by stating that he remains open to working with any NGOs genuinely interested in uplifting Osun’s PWD community, emphasizing that the state government’s doors are open to partnerships focused on positive impact.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
