Wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has stressed the need for the government at all levels, corporate organisations and other categories of people to be more sensitive to the plights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in society.
Ladoja, while presenting cash donations of N100,000 to 15 Homes and other gift items to PLWDs as part of the activities marking her 70th birthday in Ibadan, submitted that this category of people needs attention, love and care.
She submitted that rather than looking down on them, people should explore the abilities in their disabilities.
Olubadan’s wife stated that many of them have the potential to be greater in life if they are assisted either through the award of scholarships or by other means.
According to her, ‘I started associating with persons living with disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the little resources that God blessed me with to assist.
‘They deserve our attention, love and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.
‘We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.
‘Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accidents and in many other ways; hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.
‘When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account.
‘I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.
‘Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap.
‘Also, five vulnerable persons will be assisted with deep freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.
‘My message to us is that we should show them love, attention and care.’