The Special Adviser to the Osun State Governor on Special Needs, Kamil Aransi, has strongly refuted allegations made by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) regarding the neglect of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
In a statement he issued in response to a recent publication in a local Osun-based newspaper, Aransi described the claims as “untrue, misleading, and a form of blackmail.”
He recalled that the controversy arose when JONAPWD officials accused both Aransi and Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi of failing to adequately support PWDs.
Addressing these assertions, Aransi stated, “These allegations are plainly intended to blackmail my office. They represent the thoughts of those who want the government to fail and people with disabilities to suffer.”
Aransi emphasised that his office has consistently welcomed JONAPWD’s involvement in initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of PWDs in Osun.
He also denied receiving any communication from an NGO called One House Development Initiative, which claimed to have attempted to contact him.
“I have never received a letter from One House Development Initiative, either in person or through any means.”
“I have a long list of visionary NGOs with which we collaborate to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities throughout the state,” he explained.
Aransi highlighted the absurdity of the NGO’s allegations, noting that it was established only recently, in April 2024, and he had no prior knowledge of its existence.
The Special Adviser also addressed the criticism that his discussions with JONAPWD had yielded no results, noting, “Each meeting I had with JONAPWD and other associations was fruitful and detailed.”
He cited several accomplishments during his seven months in office, including facilitating state grants for JONAPWD, contributing to the passage of the Disability Protection Bill, enrolling PWDs in the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, and distributing palliative food supplies.
“My team and I are not simply byproducts of history when it comes to leadership. We are fully committed to the development and advancement of those with disabilities in Osun State,” Aransi said.