By Abubakar Mumbu, INN Reporter
Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), a Disabled led Organization, championing causes of Disability Inclusion and Social protection says society must be guided by “to the letter” implementation of universally sanctioned Disability Rights laws by various government for full inclusion to be effected. What this entails in the Nigerian context is a dynamic review of current social protection programs in order to make more room for Citizens with Disabilities.
The Executive Director, (IFA) Mrs. Grace Jerry made this disclosure at an event organized to mark celebrations of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2020.
In her words, “as we forge into the next year taking steps toward achieving an accessible, inclusive and sustainable post COVID 19 world, there must be clear implementation by the government to fulfil the full inclusion spirit of the Disability Act, also we need a review of current social protection programs to fully include citizens with disabilities. That way, we are not only reducing the shock on households, we will also be reducing dependency ratios while improving productive capacities of Nigerians with Disabilities”
The event which took place at Silverbird Cinemas, Abuja under the theme: “Social protection: Include me” involved group chats on building back better, immediate response for disability inclusion in social protection programs in Nigeria and a film show on the struggle and sacrifices made by the Disability community in America in the quest for the full implementation of American Disability Act.
In a panel discussion, Dr. Jack Epelle, CEO, Albino foundation, make a critical case for collaborative efforts in the drive for full Inclusion. He explained that “Networking is very valuable, without it we become nothing. If we want to achieve our goal for disability inclusion and social protection, we must build a strong network with people who can help us achieve that.”
Barrister Florence Marcus, Co-founder, Amputee Coalition of Nigeria also said that ” For advocacy to be fruitful, we need to have one voice. If we have one voice, it will help us in building advocacy”.
In her concluding speech, Mrs. Grace Jerry thanked everyone for coming to the film show and for participating in one way or the other in advocating for the rights of Persons With Disabilities.