WHEN LIFTING OTHERS IS A PREREQUISITE TO GREATER BLESSING: A Tribute to Barrister Ayodele Adekanmbi – Chris Ayantoye

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 mere 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 about status or title—it is about service. Through his dual identity as a public servant and a private humanitarian, he has redefined what inclusive governance means, proving that when sound policy meets genuine compassion, transformation becomes inevitable.

Under his guidance, persons with disabilities in Oyo State have not only found a voice but also meaningful opportunities—opportunities to learn, to work, to grow, and to contribute productively to society. His approach has never been one of charity, but of justice, equality, and shared humanity.

As Director-General of the Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Barrister Adekanmbi has infused inclusion into the heart of governance—beginning from budgeting to implementation, ensuring that persons with disabilities are no longer sidelined but are active stakeholders in development processes. He has championed the mainstreaming of disability-related issues in state planning and fiscal allocations, ensuring that every policy reflects the reality of accessibility and inclusion.

Among his landmark contributions is his recommendation for the appointment of Special Assistants on Disability Matters in all 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State. This bold initiative, aimed at deepening grassroots inclusion, seeks to institutionalize representation for persons with disabilities at the local government level, ensuring their concerns are not only heard but addressed where it matters most.

He also advanced the enlistment of qualified persons with disabilities into the Oyo State Civil Service, breaking historical barriers and creating pathways to sustainable livelihood and dignity. Through this effort, 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 testament to leadership that listens, feels, and acts.

Every act of kindness, every reform initiated, and every opportunity extended to a person with a disability is a reflection of 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 takes along on the journey upward. His humanitarian spirit remains a light 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.

(c) Chris Ayantoye.