By Adeyanju Adewale, INN reporter
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Godswheel Foundation is set to celebrate this year’s International Disability Day with Special Needs persons on Saturday 5th December, 2020. Venue is main hall, National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives at The Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja – Lagos.
While confirming the preparation so far made to this reporter, Founder and Executive Director, Princess Adeyosola Onasanya Ndidi stated that; “Since the programme is globally observed and promoted by the United Nations since 1992 during which organizations are afforded the opportunity to celebrate with persons with special needs and contribute our quota to a world of inclusiveness; Godswheel Foundation has resolved to be involved and celebrate Special Need Persons in Nigeria as well.
“This year, we have decided to treat the Nigerian Disability Act which has been passed into Law by the National Assembly and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, as our topic. It isn’t encouraging that since the Disability Law was approved by the Federal Government, many States have yet to domesticate or ratify it.
“Unfortunately, there is no way the law can be effective without domestication or ratification by the federating units. Quite a number of States have claimed they do not have enough resources to implement once it is ratified. Hence the law has been dormant for want of due diligence to ensure its enforcement.
“It is observable from the foregoing that the Disability Law itself has disabilities. We intend to explore that theme in this year’s symposium. However, our main theme shall be: “Examining the Enforcement of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law 2018.
“The keynote speaker, board member and staff of Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Barrister Muibi is visually impaired. He, along others will lead in dissecting the theme for the Day.”
Meanwhile, Ndidi said “Godswheel Foundation will empower many special needs persons during the event as has been the usual practice since the Organization was founded in 2011.
“We have reach out to several hundreds of the needy in our society. It is our goal to be a beacon of hope to the vulnerable and people living with disabilities. Over the years, the Foundation has raised awareness and vigorously campaigned to ensure that government policies in Nigeria and Africa at large should embrace inclusiveness.
“We have invited many special schools to the event and all COVID-19 protocols in the State will be fully observed” the Founder stressed.