Judges and magistrates from Oyo State have beamed their searchlight on the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities Law, aiming at improving justice for individuals with disabilities.
During a workshop, the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Olagunju, emphasised the law’s role in promoting inclusivity within the judiciary.
She noted that magistrates contributed a critical role in ensuring that their interpretations and procedures facilitate equality.
The workshop featured sessions on non-discrimination, accessibility, and the right to dignity.
The Chief Judge highlighted the need for court proceedings to be accessible to individuals with hearing or speech impairments.
She said: “The law promotes inclusivity within the judiciary. Magistrates play a critical role in ensuring that their interpretations and procedures facilitate equality.”
“We need to make court proceedings accessible to individuals with hearing or speech impairments.”
She announced plans to introduce sign language interpreters in courts and improve wheelchair accessibility.
“Plans are underway to introduce sign language interpreters in courts and improve wheelchair accessibility.”
The Chief Judge urged attendees to implement practical changes to foster a more inclusive judicial system.
In his remark, the Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, expressed his commitment to eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities.
He stated that additional workshops will be held across various sectors to enhance understanding of the disability law.
“We are committed to eliminating discrimination against persons with disabilities. Additional workshops will be held across various sectors to enhance understanding of the disability law.”
The event was sponsored by the I Hope Care Center in the United States and facilitated by the Justice Development and Peace Commission (JDPC Ibadan) in collaboration with the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
