You’re complete Nigerian citizens, not second class — Ogun CP tells PWDs

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, has declared that persons with disabilities are complete Nigerian citizens who must never be treated as second-class citizens.

Ojajuni stated this on Tuesday when he received the leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, Ogun State Chapter, at the Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.

The delegation was led by the State Chairman, Mr Awobona Ayodele, alongside executive members and heads of the various disability clusters.

In his remarks, the JONAPWD Chairman described the association as the umbrella body for persons with disabilities in Nigeria, established in 1992 to advocate for, represent and promote the rights, welfare and social inclusion of PWDs nationwide.

Ayodele highlighted the unique vulnerabilities faced by persons with disabilities and advocated a strategic partnership with the Command, particularly in disability management and specialised sensitisation programmes for police personnel.

He emphasised the need for training officers on identifying and interacting appropriately with PWDs, while pledging the association’s support and continued cooperation with the Police Command.

Responding, CP Ojajuni commended the delegation for their commitment to self-advocacy and civic engagement.

He said disability does not diminish or strip away the inherent constitutional rights of any individual, stressing that the Command remains guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, and international best practices in human rights enforcement.

To operationalise the commitment, the Commissioner assured the delegation that the Command would organise continuous sensitisation and retraining programmes for police officers to enhance their capacity, empathy and professional conduct when handling and serving persons with disabilities.

Ojajuni also pledged the Command’s support to JONAPWD and assured them that the police will continue to safeguard their rights, security and well-being across Ogun State.