By Monday Ajogun
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has urged persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Edo and across the country to participate actively in politics and community engagements.
The acting Director of CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call at the closing of a two-day workshop held on Friday in Benin.
Unumeri said that active participation in political activities would help PWDs in advancing their causes, strengthen their inclusion efforts and enable them to remain relevant contributors within their respective communities nationwide.
According to him, people advocating for inclusion in policy-making should not remain passive whenever opportunities arise to contribute meaningfully toward social growth and national development efforts.
He urged PWDs to contribute to development initiatives within their respective communities by participating in environmental sanitation exercises, even if it was through encouraging and supporting active workers.
Unumeri, however, appealed to governments and institutions to prioritise disability-friendly facilities and accessibility measures whenever constructing public utilities and implementing developmental infrastructure projects nationwide.
On his part, the Chairman of National Association of the Blind in Edo, Mr Lucky Imafidon, said the advocacy training would enhance awareness about disability rights.
Also, a participant, Dr Bartholomew Okoudo, stated that the workshop had exposed him to advocacy strategies for accessing benefits under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) for host communities. (NAN)(www nannews.ng)
AJOM/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
