The Osun State Government has unveiled a new empowerment initiative for People Living With Disabilities, announcing the distribution of free Point-of-Sale (PoS) devices as part of efforts to expand social and economic support across the state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s latest intervention was disclosed on Monday in Osogbo by the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr Rasaq Akindele, who outlined a series of welfare and healthcare programmes targeted at vulnerable groups.
Akindele, accompanied by the Executive Secretary of the Osun Bureau of People Living with Disabilities, Ayobami Oyetunde, said the PoS distribution forms part of activities marking the 2025 International Disability Day and the third anniversary of the Adeleke administration.
He noted that the initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion and income opportunities for beneficiaries.
He recalled that last year, the administration provided PLWDs with a wide range of support items, including motorised and manual wheelchairs, walking aids, hearing aids, glasses, inhalers and other essential devices.
Highlighting this year’s achievements, Akindele said the Agency had completed a statewide School Eye Health Programme, screening more than 450,000 public-school pupils.
Of the 45,120 diagnosed with vision challenges, 80% received treatment or corrective lenses, while the remaining 20% underwent required surgeries.
He also emphasised what he described as a national first: the enrolment of 1,200 inmates at the Ilesa and Ile-Ife Correctional Centres into the Osun state health insurance scheme.
The two correctional health facilities have been accredited, with capitation payments already in progress to ensure uninterrupted access to care.
The PoS empowerment scheme, he said, further demonstrates the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.
Oyetunde praised Governor Adeleke for prioritising disability-related issues and sustaining programmes designed to improve the wellbeing of affected groups.
According to the PUNCH report, about 1,100 inmates were said to have been enrolled into its free health insurance scheme, following a request by the State Controller of Corrections, Rotimi Olalekan, for government intervention to enhance inmate healthcare.
