By Mohammed I. Yaba
Persons with disabilities in Kaduna State have called for immediate implementation of the Disability Law signed by Governor Nasir El-Rufai to mainstream and integrate persons with disabilities into the larger society.
Speaking under the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD), Kaduna chapter, the group’s Chairman, Suleiman Abdulazeez, said the law became a reality after over 10 years of relentless advocacy by the disability community, Civil Society Organisations and the media.
He said the law, which was initiated as a private bill by the Kaduna State chapter of JONAPWD under the leadership of Rilwan Abdullahi in 2019, was to make sure that persons with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone in the larger society.
“It is also aimed at guaranteeing equal opportunity for individuals with disability in the public and private sectors to access equal services delivery and inclusion.
“We sincerely believe that this legacy achievement by the governor of Kaduna State will take our members off the street, erase the frequent experience of discrimination and barriers faced by the community to participate in all aspects of society,” he further said.
Comrade Suleiman said the law would pave the way for persons with disabilities to access public buildings, healthcare, education, employment and transportation while also providing an enabling environment for the disability community to enjoy a better livelihood.