By Peace Udugba
The Ogun State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting social inclusion, assuring them of equal treatment and protection under the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, gave the assurance when he received the leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Ogun State Chapter, during a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
The delegation was led by the State Chairman of JONAPWD, Mr Awobona Ayodele, alongside executive members and representatives of various disability clusters.
Speaking during the visit, Ayodele expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and his management team for the warm reception.
He described JONAPWD as the umbrella body representing persons with disabilities in Nigeria, established in 1992 to promote their rights, welfare and social inclusion.
The association’s chairman called for a strategic partnership with the Police Command, particularly in disability management and specialised sensitisation programmes for police officers.
He stressed the need to train officers on how to identify, communicate with and appropriately attend to persons with disabilities, while pledging the association’s continued cooperation with the Command.
Responding, Ojajuni described persons with disabilities as full and equal Nigerian citizens whose constitutional rights must be respected and protected.
He stressed that disability does not diminish the rights or dignity of any individual, adding that the Command would not tolerate discrimination against persons with disabilities.
According to him, the Ogun State Police Command remains committed to upholding the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and international best practices in human rights protection.
The police commissioner further assured the delegation that the Command would introduce continuous sensitisation and retraining programmes to improve officers’ understanding, empathy and professional conduct when dealing with persons with disabilities.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to working with JONAPWD to safeguard the rights, security and well-being of persons with disabilities across Ogun State.
The visit is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Police Command and the disability community in promoting an inclusive society where the rights of every citizen are respected.
