Excitement enveloped Moniya Community, Ibadan on Monday as Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, fulfilled his promise by handing over the key to a new house and a wheelchair to Mr. Babatunde Oluwadaisi Chesire, a person with disability.
The presentation was done at the new house located behind King’s College, Moniya by the Director General of Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (OYPWD), Mr Ayodele Adekanmbi.
Alongside with Adekanmbi during the presentation was the Executive Assistant on Disability Matters, Hon. Olufemi Timothy, who signed as the witness.
How Oluwadaisi Chesire Became House Owner
Governor Makinde had, last January, publicly promised to provide shelter for Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire after he solicited for help during the “Oyo at 50” programme for persons with disabilities as part of the activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the state.
The programme, organised by the state government aimed at making persons with disabilities to have a sense of belonging, was at the Omololu Park, Airport Junction, Ibadan.
Oluwadaisi Chesire, who has been on wheelchair for several years, said he was chased out of his former residence in Moniya with his wife and children.
While commending the gesture, Mr Adekanmbi, who supported the family with cash, described the presentation as the fulfilment of a promise and the restoration of a life.
“Today is not simply the presentation of a house and a wheelchair. It is the fulfilment of a promise and the proof that compassionate governance finds its highest expression in restoring dignity where life once knew limitation.
“Governor ‘Seyi Makinde’s noble gesture reminds us that the greatness of leadership is measured, not by the height of its promises, but by the depth of its fulfilment.
“A house offers security, a wheelchair restores mobility. But, together, they proclaim that every life deserves hope, inclusion, and purpose.
“This enduring legacy of inclusive governance stands as a testament that in Oyo State, no citizen is invisible and no disability diminishes human worth,” the OYPWD Director stated.
Adekanmbi however urged Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire to preserve the house as a legacy and counselled him against selling it.
He further disclosed that the agency, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, would continue to support persons with disabilities in the state.
In his own brief remarks, Hon. Olufemi Timothy also described the gesture as a great opportunity and appreciated the governor for his consistent support.
“This is not the first time he will do this. He has been doing this for us. Many people have benefited from this government through job opportunities, cars, lands, and empowerment.
“The governor has also made us relevant in his government. We are praying that he will become the president of the country to further advance the benefits being enjoyed by persons with disabilities under his leadership,” he said.
An emotional Oluwadaisi Chesire, in tears of joy, prayed for Governor Makinde, saying: “I never thought I would become a landlord, let alone own a big house like this.”
Narrating his ordeal, the beneficiary said he was abandoned by his parents in Ogbomoso since childhood.
According to him, Makinde remained the only Oyo governor who has shown genuine love to persons with disabilities.
