The widow of a former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Oluwakemi Alao-Akala, has called on Nigerians to embrace consistent support for persons with disabilities, insisting that physical impairment should never be equated with inability.
She made the appeal on Tuesday during a visit to the Nigeria Training Centre for the Blind and the Oyo State Special Basic School in Ogbomoso North Local Government Area of Oyo State, where she donated food items and essential supplies to visually impaired pupils.
Items distributed during the outreach included bags of rice, beans and maize, kegs of palm oil, spaghetti, sanitary pads, toiletries, typing sheets and cardboard materials for learning.
Speaking during the visit, Alao-Akala said the gesture was part of her routine monthly intervention to assist vulnerable groups.
“I do things like this every month. I just like to make life a little easier for people. Any community, any association, anybody who needs help I feel I should help everybody, even though it’s not always possible,” she said.
She explained that the school management had earlier submitted a list of pressing needs.
“Before I came, I got a list from them of what they needed, and we are here to do our bit. They need a lot of things, and whatever I can do, I will continue to do,” she added, disclosing plans to provide uniforms for the pupils after tailors take their measurements.
Reflecting on her late husband’s years in public office, she stressed the importance of accountability in leadership.
“Whatever position we find ourselves in, at the end of the day, we are going to be accountable. God will ask us, what did you do when you were there?” she said.
She also offered prayers for political leaders, urging Nigerians to support them through prayers.
“It’s a lot of work to lead. We have been there before. My prayer is that God will teach our leaders and give them wisdom. With our prayers, God will help them to deliver for the people,” she said.
Addressing the pupils, she encouraged them to remain confident and positive about their future.
“They should confess positively about their situation. There is power in the tongue. When you speak positively, it works,” she advised.
Meanwhile, the Headmistress of Oyo State Special Basic School, Mrs Oyedokun Janet Olabimpe, appealed to the state government to increase funding to enable the institution adequately cater for its 82 primary pupils, many of whom are on boarding facilities.
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