Rights - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Sat, 2024

Foundation urges increased awareness on rights, welfare of PWDs

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By Ahmed Musa

Dr Susan Ake, the Managing Director of Lifesquare Leadership Initiative (LLI), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called for increased awareness on rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

She made the call while fielding questions from journalists during distribution of food items organised by LLI, in collaboration with AIB Adekoya Foundation at the Karon-Majiji Disability Colony, Airport Road, Abuja.

She said that the food items distribution was part of the foundation’s activities to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that IDPD is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992.

Annually marked on Dec. 3 around the world, the theme for this year is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’’, aimed at promoting understanding of disability issues and mobilising support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

According to her, issues of disability inclusion remain a focal point of LLI’s drive to actualise its dreams of service to humanity.

She advocated the need to stop the discrimination against PWDs, saying that doing so negates the provisions of Article 18, Sub Section 4 of the African Charter which emphasise protection of peoples’ rights, including PWDs.

“So, the fact that they are disabled does not mean they should be discriminated against.

“As a foundation, we always put PWDs into consideration in whatever we are doing; one of the areas we want the government to advance inclusive development for PWDs is policies that promote accessibility.

“We must also appreciate the government’s efforts toward building schools for PWDs.”

Dr Mfon Gift Ayira, the Regional Manager of AIB Adekoya Foundation, said that the group chose to celebrate 2024 IDPD with the community so as to identify with them and the most vulnerable groups.

Ayira explained that “we decided to celebrate with you because we believe that service to humanity is an act of worship, especially at this critical moment.

“We urge other wealthy individuals to replicate what we are doing here because this disability community needs this kind gesture and that is why we are here to show them love.”

Mr Mohammed Dantani, a beneficiary and Secretary of the disability community who spoke on behalf of other beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the donors for identifying with them.

Dantani promised to utilise the items for the purpose it was meant for.

NAN reports that a cheque flag of N500,000 was presented to the leader of the community, in addition to distribution of packs of milk, sugar, cassava flour, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Wed, 2024

General News

Tinubu advocates disability inclusion in all spheres of life

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By Ahmed Musa

President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders to advocate for and amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to achieve disability inclusion and promote their welfare and rights.

Tinubu made this call at a National Dialogue commemorating the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities in Abuja.

The President was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Abba Isah.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of advancing the cause of PWDs in Nigeria, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provided for the protection of PWDs’ rights.

“We signed the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provides a framework for protecting human rights in Africa.

“Although the charter does not explicitly mention Article 18, Sub 4, it emphasises the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

“In line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, we appointed a Special Assistant to promote equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

“The office was mandated to collaborate with government agencies, subnational governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and associations of PWDs to ensure that their policies align with our agenda.

“We are working closely with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to promote disability inclusion in the country,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged that the tenth Senate would continue to enact laws promoting the rights and wellbeing of PWDs.

Akpabio, represented by Sen. Ireti Kingibe, (LP-FCT), emphasised the need for collective effort to promote inclusive development of PWDs.

According to Akpabio, stakeholders must amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and get involved to support them.

Akpabio stressed the importance of evaluating and treating individuals based on their abilities, rather than their disabilities.

He believed that democracy was not just about voting rights, but also about equal opportunities for all, including PWDs.

To achieve this, Akpabio called for unity and a shared spirit of inclusivity, hope, and determination to advance the rights and inclusion of PWDs.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, noted that the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities provided an opportunity to review progress and identify challenges ahead.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured awards presentations by the NCPWD to the World Bank, Sightsavers Nigeria, European Union and other partners that contributed towards the commission’s achievements. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru