By Monday Ajogun
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called for inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Edo in the implementation of Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The acting Director of CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at a two-day workshop on Thursday in Benin.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop, organised by the centre, with support from Ford Foundation, focused on strengthening PWDs’ capacity to advocate for inclusion in the benefits of the Act.
NAN also reports that the workshop, with the theme: “Ending barriers against Niger Deltans with Disabilities,” was aimed at promoting equity, justice and inclusive development across the Niger Delta region.
Unumeri said that the participants’ presence at the occasion reflected a shared commitment to advancing inclusion and ensuring that PWDs benefitted from development opportunities in host communities.
According to him, Niger Delta region occupies a strategic place in Nigeria’s development and has contributed immensely to economic growth through vast natural resources.
He, however, said that the contributions had not translated into equitable development outcomes, adding that PIA marked a significant milestone in addressing the challenges.
“The PIA provides a framework for inclusion and participation, but evidence shows that not all groups within host communities are benefitting equally,” he said.
Unumeri urged the participants to see the workshop as a platform for empowerment, learning and strengthening their capacity for effective engagement.
In her presentation, the Chairperson of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Edo, Ms Ann Ojugo, urged stronger rights advocacy.
Ojugo said PWDs from host communities deserved greater benefits and should peacefully demand for their rights through the knowledge gained from the workshop.
Also speaking, Mrs Blessing Ononogbu of CCD highlighted environmental some challenges, including water pollution, fish depletion and acid rain, calling for urgent government intervention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AJOM/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
