The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has said our society is not enlightened on issues pertaining to People with Disability (PWD) like it is the case in advanced countries he had visited so far.

His Grace stated this on Wednesday, 4th December, 2024 during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities organized by the House of Providence Special School for Children with Intellectual Disability of the Congregation of Servants of Charity (Opera Don Guanella), Yemetu, Ibadan, Oyo – State, Nigeria.

The celebration, which had as its theme: “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World” began with the sacrifice of the Holy Mass with the Archbishop as the Chief Celebrants and nine Priests concelebrating.

While welcoming His Grace, Priests and invited Guests and Schools to the event, Rev. Fr. Vitus Uneagbu, SC said it was a thing of joy to have all of them at the occasion which was first of its kind, joining the whole world in celebrating the World Day of People with Disabilities; which before was often done on the basis of the Community level by travelling to Osun State and therefore appealed that henceforth, the celebration becomes an Archdiocesan event.

The Archbishop also described the event as a unique one and happy too, that the Congregation is starting something new in the Archdiocese of Ibadan with the little ones, for it worth it to celebrate them, being human beings created in the image and likeness of God also. His Grace therefore charged the Pastoral Secretary, V. Rev. Fr. Richard Omolade, who was also present at the event to take note of the celebration; towards making it an Archdiocesan event henceforth.

In his homily during the Mass, Rev. Fr. David Melaba, SC enjoined all to emulate Christ in the Gospel of the day, who showed compassion by providing for physical and spiritual needs of the people as well as the social teaching of the Church on the dignity of human beings by paying great attention to the needs of PWD, who are also made in the image of God. He added that disability does not make one non-human as to some extents all of us are disabled.

Fr. Melaba stated further that what Persons with disabilities need are care, love, compassion and acceptance and so, enjoined all to embrace same, for the Scripture enjoins us to love our neighbours as ourselves.

After the sacrifice of Mass was the second part of the celebration which witnessed lecture/speech by the invited Guests and presentations by the House of Providence/St. Loius Guaenella Centre as well as presentations by the invited Schools where it was showcased that there is ability in disability.

The Guest Speaker, Mr Olabisi Olawale of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, asserted that every human being is disabled in one way or the other and that empowering PWD through qualitative education is imperative. He listed some things that needed to be done to include: Production of a unique Curriculum that will put into consideration the individual’s differences, adoption of mentorship roles for them, inclusion of PWD in decision making, making accessibility and accommodation of PWD possible everywhere, addressing society bias issues and working on evaluation of the children.

The representative of Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Oyerinde Felicia Adejoke stated that her Boss was also of the belief that our family and community are enriched by the presence of PWD in our midst, hence the creation of a Training Centre for PWD and their employment into the workforce by Oyo State Government.

Similarly, Mrs Rose Modi, CEO of Down Syndrone Foundation and Rev. Sr. Christy, SSL form Akure in Ondo State appealed to the government to try and implement the policies (curriculum) already in place as confirmed by Mrs Oyerinde Felicia Adejoke as well as the inclusion of Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), while the Church should also do her part by making provision for Sign language in the Church during celebrations.

Prof. Kola Kazeem of the University of Ibadan in his contribution stated that parents have roles to play too as some parents still keep their children at home because of their disabilities. He narrated his personal experience too and therefore appealed for advocacy and creation of awareness to change people’s orientation concerning PWD in our society.

Archbishop Abegunrin in his own remarks said we are not yet advanced in this country as he lamented the lack of basic amenities in public schools from his observations. His Grace agreed too, that the government must be supported by the people and so tasked the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Churches and Mosques to also help in creating awareness.

According to the Archbishop, Catholic Church is already doing her parts, hence creation of Children’s Homes and Hospitals all over. His Grace also commended the Oyo State Governor’s efforts on rehabilitation of city roads and provision of light but was quick to add that provision of quality education should be given more priority.

Rev. Fr. Mark, SC gave a vote of thanks at the occasion, where he appreciated His Grace, Priests, Benefactors and Benefactresses, invited Guests and Schools, Children and Parents on behalf of the Congregation. This was followed by a closing prayer said by the Superior of Vice Province of Africa, Rev. Fr. Kelechi MMandufure SC and the final blessing by the Archbishop.

There was refreshment and snapping of group photographs thereafter.