The positive attitude and empathy of Local Government Staff towards Persons with Disabilities has been identified as a major boost towards accessing rights and privileges of these persons.
This assertion was made by Mr. Adewale Adeyanju, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Lagos State chapter on the occasion of “Deaf Awareness Day” organized by Orile-Agege Deaf Association (OADA). The event held on Tuesday 31st May 2022, at the Orile-Agege LCDA Hall.
While speaking on the theme of the event: “Our Rights To Accessibility And The Disability Law – Full Implementation and Its Benefits”, Adeyanju remarked that Positive attitude begins with smiles, a readiness to assist, to listen to complaints without distractions and self sacrificing disposition to help ease frustrations of these persons. This, the Public Relations expert says will endear the deaf and other persons with disabilities to the Local Government staff.
Mr Adewale insists that, the LCDA at grassroot level can by positive attitudes and friendly dispositions assist Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in accessing their rights and privileges. He maintained that since every human being is born free and equal, staff at the Local Government should use their position and good offices to help open doors that will enable persons with disabilities access their rights.
Adewale laments that there are those who use their positions to oppress rather than assist Persons with Disabilities. Then there are those too, who believe they are better than these “special” people. Truth however is that disability is no respecter of persons. He therefore enjoined the Local Government staff to do their best to uplift and encourage the deaf and other vulnerable groups.
It may be recalled that the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2019 outrightly criminalizes discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. Further more, the law was passed with provisions for a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). The Commission is expected to implement contents of the Act.
Adewale noted that “The NCPWD through its Executive Secretary, Mr. James Lalu has since commenced work with an assurance that no stone will be left unturned in the quest to achieve better and improved living conditions for Nigerians with disabilities.
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“Lalu also listed adequate and affordable healthcare, inclusive education with scholarships opportunities, social security and financial aid for the aged and elderly amongst some of the benefits for Persons with disabilities provided for the Law establishing the Commission.”
While observing that some States in the Federation had already domesticated the Law in their jurisdiction before Federal Government, Adeyanju urged staff at the local government to move closer to the people. He went on to emphasize that the law would take precedence if staff really paid attention, are dedicated, and committed to making it work.
Earlier, Chairman of the Orile-Agege Deaf Association (OADA) – Mr. Raphael Akinbami, in his welcome address, listed some concerns of the association which, if given due attention will bring about improvement in living conditions of members.
According to Ayobami, the association has been trying to get attention of Chief Johnson Babatunde, the Executive Chairman, Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on the need for employment, vocational training/skills acquisition, empowerment for Deaf artisans and traders, as well as initiating general welfare and support schemes for the elderly, the sick and vulnerable. It is sad that the process is proving long and tedious. The chairman made a strong appeal for immediate consideration of the aforementioned.
The Executive Chairman Orile-Agege LCDA, Chief Sunday Johnson Babatunde, represented at the occasion by an Assistant Head of Agricultural Department, Mrs. Mamowora O. O, in his goodwill message remarked that the council has been responsive to people with disabilities within its domain and will continue to be responsive. Babatunde also promised to provide vital assistance and opportunities from time to time.
The Lagos State Association of the Deaf (LSAD), represented by Mr. Kingsley Njoku, commended the steadfastness of Orile-Agege LCDA. He expressed hopes that other Local Government authorities will tow same path of friendship and attentiveness to the needs of Persons with Disabilities.