Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has fulfilled his pledge to provide a home and a wheelchair for Mr. Babatunde Oluwadaisi Isiah Chesire, a person living with disability, bringing an emotional chapter of hardship to a close.
The symbolic handover of the house keys took place on Monday at the newly completed residence behind King’s College at Moniya Community in Ibadan.
The Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (OYPWD), Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, presented the house and wheelchair on behalf of the governor, while the Executive Assistant on Disability Matters, Hon. Olufemi Timothy, witnessed the event.
Governor Makinde had made the promise in January during the “Oyo at 50” programme for persons with disabilities held at Omololu Park, Airport Junction, after Chesire appealed for assistance over his living condition.
For years, Chesire, who relies on a wheelchair for mobility, had struggled with homelessness after he and his family were reportedly forced out of their former residence in Moniya.
Speaking at the presentation, Adekanmbi described the gesture as more than the fulfilment of a political promise, saying it represented the restoration of dignity and hope to a citizen in need.
He noted that the governor’s action demonstrated that responsible leadership is measured by keeping promises and ensuring that vulnerable residents are not left behind.
According to him, while the house provides security and stability, the wheelchair restores mobility, together reflecting the state’s commitment to inclusive governance and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Adekanmbi also urged Chesire to preserve the property as a lasting family legacy, warning him against selling it. He assured that the state government would continue implementing programmes aimed at improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Also speaking, Hon. Olufemi Timothy commended Governor Makinde for consistently supporting the disability community through employment, empowerment initiatives, allocation of land, vehicle support and other interventions.
He said the administration had given persons with disabilities a stronger voice in governance and expressed appreciation for the governor’s sustained commitment to their welfare.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Chesire thanked Governor Makinde for transforming his life, saying he never imagined he would one day own a house.
“I never thought I would become a landlord, let alone own a big house like this,” he said tearfully.
He also recounted being abandoned by his parents in Ogbomoso from childhood and described Makinde as the first governor in Oyo State to show genuine concern for the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
