Association trains 35 to champion disability inclusion in Edo
By Usman Aliyu
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has trained 35 “champions” to drive disability inclusion in Edo, with support from Ford Foundation.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the two-day event in Benin, Winnie Ishaku, Legal and Programme Officer of JONAPWD, said that participants were trained to champion disability course in schools, workplaces and public services across the state.
She said 15 young people with disabilities, and another 15 without disabilities, including officials of state ministries, media practitioners and tertiary institution students received intensive coaching on advocacy strategies, accessibility standards and the state’s new disability law.
“We expect these champions to return to their communities and press every ministry, agency and private institution for inclusive education, accessible facilities and equal job opportunities,” Ishaku said.
According to her, the workshop is a follow up to the policy dialogue in the state in February, where stakeholders demanded full activation of the Edo Disability Commission.
“Gov. Monday Okpebholo has since appointed an executive secretary and governing council, a big win for disability rights,” she said.
She expressed delight that some participants had expressed plans to form campus pressure groups for disability inclusion.
“One delegate announced plans to launch an Association of Persons with Disabilities at the University of Benin.
“They now have the language and confidence to advocate, not plead,” Ishaku added.
The JONAPWD official said future sessions would broaden the network of champions to ensure ministries and private sectors comply with the disability law ahead of the commission’s moratorium cycle in the state.
In her address of welcome, Mrs Ann Ojugu, Chairperson, Edo Chapter of JONAPWD, called for the full implementation of the Discrimination of Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Law in the state.
According to her, the establishment of the disability commission in the state is not enough as the commission needs adequate logistics and other supports to perform optimally.
She commended the donor partner for having Edo in mind in its programme, calling for the continued support of the participants in agitating for disability inclusion.
Two of the participants from the University of Benin, Malisa Agbontaen and John Joshua, said the workshop had changed their perception about persons with disabilities.
They pledged their readiness to form an advocacy group for the cause of persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive society. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AUO/MAM/
Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Abiemwense Moru
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