The Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSEDA) has urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in the state to comply fully with the law mandating that six per cent of job opportunities be reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The call was made on Thursday in Lokoja by KOSEDA’s Executive Secretary, Mr Yakubu Abdulhakeem, during a courtesy visit from the Kogi State Chapter of the National Association of Applicants and Workers with Disabilities.
Abdulhakeem said the appeal was necessary to ensure full inclusion of PWDs in recruitment and empowerment programmes, as stipulated by the state’s disability law, which provides for five per cent inclusion in empowerment schemes and six per cent in employment. He added that compliance would promote fairness and equal opportunity for all citizens.
“There is a need for continuous advocacy across all MDAs to remind them of the existing law. When it comes to employment, the law clearly states that six out of every 100 positions should be reserved for PWDs,” he said.
He disclosed that letters would soon be sent to the Civil Service Commission, the Head of Service, and the Commissioners for Information and Humanitarian Affairs to reinforce compliance across government institutions.
While some MDAs have demonstrated commitment to the directive, others have yet to comply, he noted, adding that KOSEDA would continue engaging the relevant authorities to ensure full enforcement of the quota system.
Abdulhakeem also said the agency would follow up with the Civil Service Commission over a reported case of non-compliance at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. “This is only one of several instances, and if not addressed, others might follow suit,” he warned.
Clarifying the government’s position on a recent peaceful protest by PWDs at the university, Abdulhakeem explained that the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, might have been misinformed. “As the government’s spokesperson, he had to respond immediately to defend the government, but we believe he will take note of the facts as clarified,” he added.
Earlier, the Kogi State Chairman of the National Association of Applicants and Workers with Disabilities, Mr Samuel Mark, said the group’s visit aimed to brief KOSEDA on the state government’s reaction to the peaceful protest at Osara.
Mark explained that the demonstration sought fair implementation of the recruitment quota for PWDs and was not politically motivated, contrary to some reports. “We want KOSEDA to be fully aware of what transpired and the university’s continued breach of our agreement,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Governor Ahmed Ododo’s administration, known for its inclusive policies, would resolve the issue. “We are hopeful that with a disability-friendly governor like Governor Ododo, the situation will be addressed. Once letters are sent to the MDAs, they will align with the governor’s vision of bringing governance closer to vulnerable groups,” he added.
