The Aredu Trust Foundation, a non-profit organization advocating for the rights and empowerment of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs), has called on the government and well-meaning Nigerians to improve the welfare of PWDs in the country.
Speaking at the official opening of the foundation’s new office in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the Founder and Executive Director of Aredu Trust Foundation, Mr. Adebayo Muritala, emphasized the need for inclusivity and equality for PWDs.
“As a visually impaired person myself, I believe that individuals with disabilities are endowed with unique potential and talents that can contribute to societal development,” Muritala said. “However, they face numerous challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.”
Muritala urged the government to establish homes for PWDs to improve their living conditions and provide them with access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, and vocational training.
He also called on individuals and organizations to support the foundation’s initiatives, including the women’s cooperative, which focuses on empowering women with disabilities and young females.
“We believe that in disability there is ability,” Muritala said. “We encourage youths and PWDs to showcase their abilities, focus on their passions, and break societal misconceptions.”
The Aredu Trust Foundation was founded by three visionaries – Muritala, Oguntolu Ifatoke, and Abdulrasheed Sanni – to inspire change and empower communities across Africa. The foundation has branches in Nigeria and Ghana, with plans to expand to other African countries.
Also speaking at the event, Ifatoke, a co-founder of the foundation, expressed his passion for supporting the less privileged. “I was inspired by Adebayo’s great spirit and his commitment to empowering PWDs,” Ifatoke said. “I am proud to be part of this initiative, and I believe that together, we can make a difference in the lives of PWDs and the vulnerable.”
The event was attended by dignitaries, including government officials, disability rights advocates, and representatives of non-profit organizations.