Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State have appealed to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to champion their demand for equitable inclusion in the state’s budgetary process.

The call was made by the Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Engr. Benjamin Olajide, during a courtesy visit to the NUJ Ondo State Council in Akure over the weekend.

Olajide, who led a delegation of PWD representatives to the NUJ secretariat, expressed concern that government interventions for persons with disabilities remain rooted in charity, rather than recognizing disability rights as a matter of equity and social justice.

“PWDs have in recent times been appealing to the Ondo State government to incorporate us in budgetary allocations across all sectors. What is being done for us currently is charity, not our rights,” he stated.

He urged Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration to prioritize inclusive policies that ensure persons with disabilities are adequately represented in the planning and execution of government programmes.

Beyond policy advocacy, Olajide also called on families to stop hiding children living with disabilities, stressing that many such conditions are manageable with early medical intervention.

“We don’t want sympathy or pity. We want our rights. Parents should stop keeping children with disabilities indoors. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. The child did not choose to be that way,” he said.

“There are medical solutions to many of these disabilities. Bring them forward, and we will direct you to the right channels for help.”

In response, the NUJ pledged its commitment to promoting the voices and rights of persons with disabilities. Representing the council chairman, Comrade Leke Adegbite, the union’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Ayodeji Alabi, assured the delegation of continued media support.

“Journalists in Ondo State will not relent in amplifying the voices of PWDs. Carry us along in your advocacy efforts, and you will always have our support,” Alabi said.

Also speaking, the Council Secretary, Mr. Olaoluwa Meishak, reaffirmed that the NUJ stands firmly in support of disability rights and pledged ongoing collaboration with relevant advocacy groups.

The visit underscores a growing push by civil society organisations and disability advocates to mainstream inclusion and accessibility in governance at all levels in Nigeria.