A Tribute to Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi,
Director-General, Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities
There are few truths in life as enduring and profound as this: lifting others is not only a noble act—it is the surest path to greater blessings. The universe, in its divine order, rewards those whose hands are open not merely to receive but to raise others from the dust of despair into the dignity of purpose.
This truth finds living expression in the life and work of Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi, a man whose compassion transcends words and whose service to humanity—especially to persons with disabilities—stands as a monument of hope, advocacy, and transformative leadership.
From the corridors of public service to the quiet corners of personal intervention, Barrister Adekanmbi has consistently demonstrated that true leadership is not defined by position or prestige but by purpose and service. Through his dual identity as a public servant and private humanitarian, he has redefined inclusive governance—proving that when sound policy is guided by genuine compassion, transformation becomes inevitable.
Under his guidance, persons with disabilities in Oyo State have not only found a voice but also meaningful opportunities—to learn, to work, to grow, and to contribute productively to society. His philosophy has never been rooted in charity, but in justice, equality, and shared humanity.
As Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barrister Adekanmbi has infused inclusion into the very heart of governance—from budgeting to implementation—ensuring that persons with disabilities are not sidelined but recognized as active stakeholders in development. He has championed the mainstreaming of disability issues in state planning and fiscal allocation, making accessibility and inclusion a permanent feature of Oyo State’s governance landscape.
Among his landmark initiatives is the recommendation for the appointment of Special Assistants on Disability Matters in all 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State—a visionary move aimed at deepening grassroots inclusion and institutionalizing representation for persons with disabilities where it matters most.
He also facilitated the enlistment of qualified persons with disabilities into the Oyo State Civil Service, breaking historical barriers and creating pathways to sustainable livelihoods and dignity. Through this, he demonstrated that empowerment is not achieved through sympathy but through opportunity.
Furthermore, recognizing the mobility challenges faced by persons with disabilities, Barrister Adekanmbi spearheaded the procurement of an accessible bus to ease their transportation needs within the state—a tangible symbol of leadership that listens, feels, and acts.
Every act of kindness, every reform initiated, and every opportunity extended under his watch reflects his deep conviction that “a society is only as strong as its compassion for its most vulnerable members.” His life continues to echo the timeless wisdom that blessings multiply only when they are used to bless others.
In lifting others, Barrister Adekanmbi has shown that true greatness is not measured by how high one rises, but by how many one lifts along the way. His humanitarian spirit stands as a beacon of inspiration to those within and beyond government—a call to embrace a more compassionate and inclusive form of leadership.
May his example remind us all that the path to enduring blessing lies not in self-preservation but in self-giving. And may his unwavering commitment to the cause of persons with disabilities continue to bear fruit—in lives transformed, hopes restored, and communities renewed.
Indeed, when lifting others becomes a lifestyle, greater blessings become inevitable.
© Chris Ayantoye
