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BY ABU-SATAR HAMED
ILARO-YEWA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA – The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Adeboye Olugbenle MFR, has emphasized the importance of building an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can live with dignity, independence, and hope.
Speaking at the 3rd Ramadan Lecture organized by the National Association of the Blind, Yewa South Chapter, on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at the Cooperative Hall, Opposite Union Bank, Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, Oba Olugbenle highlighted the values of selflessness, patience, and compassion taught during Ramadan.
Represented by the Otun Baaroyin of Ilaro-Yewa, Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed, the monarch welcomed guests and urged the public to support vulnerable members of society, particularly persons with disabilities.
Addressing the disability community, Oba Olugbenle acknowledged their resilience and contributions to society. He encouraged them to focus on their abilities rather than limitations and assured them of community support.
Additionally, he commended families and caregivers of persons with disabilities for their dedication in providing care, guidance, and empowerment.
In his goodwill message, the Olu of Imasayi-Yewa, Oba Luqmon Kuoye (PhD), stressed the importance of love, justice, and equity in tackling societal challenges.
He urged Nigerians to pray for the nation, emphasizing that both Muslims and Christians should recognize the rewards of sacrifice and show care for others during their fasting periods.
The Yewa South Local Government Chairman, Barr. (Hon.) Abraham Babatunde Ogunsola, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Moruf Bankole, congratulated Muslim faithful on the occasion of Ramadan fasting.
He noted the government’s ongoing efforts to support persons with disabilities and pledged continued oversight in this regard.
Hon. Ogunsola called on well-meaning Nigerians to support government initiatives aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities.
Bankole, accompanied by Comrade Abdul Jabar Ayelagbe, the SSG to Yewa South Local Government, commended the organizers for highlighting the importance of assisting persons with disabilities.
Keynote speaker, Mr. Tobi Itoma, emphasized that disabilities come in various forms and should not be perceived as limitations.
He advocated for the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, such as Screen Readers, to assist individuals with visual impairments.
He also called on the government and philanthropists to provide assistive gadgets for persons with disabilities.
Delivering his lecture titled “Assisting One Another: A Guide for the Caregivers,” the Chief Imam of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Oke-Odan, Yewa South, Sheik (Imam) Tajudeen Adisa Taiwo, urged Nigerians to act with integrity and the fear of God in all dealings.
He criticized the lack of social responsibility among some wealthy individuals and encouraged them to support the less privileged.
The cleric also called on all levels of government to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians, stressing that many citizens struggle to meet basic needs.
Alhaji Maruf Adeyinka (Ademab), Chairman of The Intellectuals, the group that organized the event alongside the National Association of the Blind, Yewa South Chapter, expressed gratitude to attendees for recognizing persons with disabilities as integral members of society.
He emphasized that the event aimed to reassure persons with disabilities that they are not forgotten while seeking societal support for their well-being.
Also, he appealed for assistance in completing an ICT Centre under construction in Ilaro-Yewa, which aims to equip visually impaired individuals with digital skills.
In her speech, Olori Aminat Adeleye Matemilola commended the organizers and expressed her commitment to supporting persons with disabilities.
She noted that Oba (Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola FNSE, Otileta VII, the Olowu Oluyalo of Owu Kingdom, Abeokuta was absent due to unavoidable circumstances. As an author of multiple books for the visually impaired, Olori Matemiloa called on Nigerians to extend a helping hand to persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments.
As part of the event, several individuals were honored for their unwavering support for persons with disabilities, including Alhaji Hassan Abd. Azeez, Alhaji Abd. Azeez Sanni (Zolakaz), Alhaji Muhyideen Adio (Deen D Light), and Chief Sunday Ajileye (SIB Foundation).
Two visually impaired students from Egbado (Yewa) College, Ilaro, Master Samad Adebiyi and Master Uthman Oyedele, captivated the audience with a Quran recitation and a talk on the importance of Ramadan, respectively.
Comrade Mulero Makinde, in his vote of thanks, expressed appreciation for the presence of traditional rulers, especially the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, represented by Elhadj (Otunba) Abu-Satar Idowu Hamed.
He acknowledged their recognition of persons with disabilities as valued members of society.
Makinde urged all levels of government to extend greater support to persons with disabilities, particularly those with visual impairments, to enhance their quality of life.
He also appreciated Alhaji Sulaimon Oladimeji (So Smart) for his efforts in supporting persons with disabilities.
The event, co-organized by The Intellectuals and the National Association of the Blind, Yewa South Chapter, attracted Muslim faithful from within and outside Ilaro.
Attendees included Sheik (Imam) Tajudeen Mustapha-Adewunmi, Sheik (Imam) Badmus Adegbite, Chiefs, and worshippers from Ilaro Central Mosque, among others.
The programme was co-anchored by Alhaji Luqmon Adewunmi and Alfa Hassan Abdul-Azeez, ensuring a smooth and engaging event for all participants.
