Stakeholders across civil society, religious bodies and advocacy groups have declared strong support for the Ogun State Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission Bill, insisting that the proposed law will deepen fairness, expand representation and protect vulnerable groups in all sectors.
Their positions were presented during the public hearing attended by representatives of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Joint National Association of People Living with Disabilities, Ogun State Disability Law Advocacy Group, Spinal Cord Injury Association, Women Advocate Research and Documentation Centre, Justice Development and Peace Commission, Ogun State Economic Transformation Project and the League of Imams and Alfas.
Many of the stakeholders said the bill had the potential to institutionalise fair practices and strengthen social protection.
They also urged the executive and legislative arms to work together to ensure early assent by the Governor.
Some contributors recommended that global DEI obligations mentioned in the document should be clearly outlined for proper implementation.
They commended the Ogun State House of Assembly for showing leadership in the promotion of human rights. They also appealed for the inclusion of accessibility features such as ramps, railings and mobility support structures in public buildings for the benefit of persons living with disabilities.
Declaring the forum open, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, stated that the bill was introduced to promote equity and peaceful coexistence by ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable groups.
He explained that the Assembly remained committed to laws that protect both vulnerable and non vulnerable residents.
According to him, the session offered an opportunity for the public to shape a people centered law that strengthens cohesion and justice.
The Speaker added that all submissions from the hearing would be reviewed and integrated where necessary to ensure that the final draft captures the aspirations of the people.
The Deputy Speaker and sponsor of the bill, Rt. Hon. Bolanle Lateefat Ajayi, said the proposal aims to entrench fairness and representation while prohibiting discrimination in all spheres.
She noted that the Commission would embed DEI principles into policy making and implementation through evidence based methods.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, reaffirmed that the bill was a priority for both arms of government.
She added that efforts were ongoing to ensure that public facilities comply with accessibility standards.
She further said her Ministry would continue to work with the Assembly to amend the 2017 Disability Law to make it fully operational.
In her welcome address, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, Hon. Omolola Bakare, said the bill would address long standing inequalities and provide a platform for marginalized voices to participate in governance and development.
Closing the session, the Minority Leader, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, clarified that the DEI Bill would not replace the existing disability law but complement it.
He assured that every submission would be carefully considered in the final document.
