The Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs has urged all ministries, departments, and agencies to comply with the six per cent recruitment quota for persons with disabilities.

The executive secretary of KOSEDA, Yakubu Abdulhakeem, made the call in Lokoja during a courtesy visit by the chairman of the National Association of Applicants and Workers with Disabilities, Kogi chapter.

Mr Abdulhakeem urged the MDAs to comply with the legal provision that mandated the allocation of six out of every 100 recruitment slots to PWDs. The executive secretary explained that the existing state law stipulated a minimum of five per cent inclusion of PWDs in empowerment programmes and six per cent in employment opportunities.

“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.

Mr Abdulhakeem said that letters would be sent to the civil service commission, the head of service, the commissioner for information, and the commissioner for humanitarian affairs to reinforce compliance across government institutions.

He noted that while some MDAs had responded positively to the advocacy, others were yet to comply, stressing that the agency would continue to engage relevant authorities to ensure full enforcement.

“Through the Civil Service Commission, we can get more clarity on the 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 added.

Mr Abdulhakeem also clarified recent misunderstandings concerning the Kogi government’s reaction to a peaceful protest by PWDs at the university, noting that information commissioner 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 said.

The chairman of the NAAWD in Kogi, Samuel Mark, said the visit was to brief KOSEDA on the state government’s reaction to the protest by the group at Osara.

Mr Mark said the protest was peaceful and aimed at demanding fair implementation of the recruitment quota for PWDs, contrary to reports suggesting political motives or violence.

“We want KOSEDA to be fully aware of what transpired and the university’s continued breach of our agreement,” he said. “We are hopeful that with a disability-friendly governor like Governor Ahmed Ododo, the situation will be addressed, as his administration is committed to inclusive governance.”

Mr Mark expressed optimism that once letters are circulated to the various MDAs, they would align with the governor’s vision of bringing governance closer to vulnerable groups and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens.

(NAN)