CSF and Partners Advocates United Action for Inclusive SDGs

Cedar Seed Foundation (CSF) and Partners advocates united action for inclusive Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on the 3rd Edition of “International Disability Dialogue in Commemoration of the 2023 International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, United Action to Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, with, and by Persons with Disabilities, has shown the need for collaboration amongst all key actors.

In a resolute commitment to addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs), the theme for this years International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD 2023) underscores the imperative of united action towards rescuing and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As per WHO key facts, an estimated 1.3 billion people globally grapple with significant disabilities, and a staggering 80% of them reside in the Global South, constituting a noteworthy 16% of the world’s population equivalent to 1 in every 6 individuals. In Nigeria, recent data underscores that over 27 million Nigerians live with some form of disability as of 2020, underscoring the pressing need to comprehensively address the myriad challenges faced by PWDs.

Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), an annual observance, Cedar Seed Foundation endeavors to elevate awareness and fervently advocate for the intrinsic benefits of fostering an inclusive and accessible society for all on the 3rd Edition of International Disability Dialogue.

To achieve this, Cedar Seed Foundation has brought together over 35 organizations to carry out series of activities including awareness campaigns to religious bodies such as the National Central Mosque and National Christian Center in the FCT, physical fitness, medical outreach, press conference, award/fundraising dinner, international disability dialogue and the launch of the Disability Impact Fund – an initiative aimed at making resources readily available to persons with disabilities.

Persons with disabilities, according to current statistics, are double the risk of developing various health conditions such as depression, asthma, diabetes, stroke, obesity, or experiencing poor oral health. These challenges emanate from profound health inequities rooted in unfair conditions, encompassing stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education, and systemic barriers within the healthcare system.

Transportation, a fundamental aspect of daily life, proves to be 15 times more challenging for PWDs in terms of accessibility and affordability compared to their counterparts without disabilities. Furthermore, the social services available for PWDs in Nigeria are deemed grossly inadequate, leaving numerous families without the financial means to access crucial support systems. Persistent stigma, discrimination, and entrenched barriers to basic social services and economic opportunities further exacerbate the challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria. This years IDPD issues a clarion call for a collective and concerted effort to create a world that is not only better but also inherently fairer for persons with disabilities.

On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, CSF and partners passionately recommends that;

• There is an urgent need for the mobilization of support for critical issues related to the inclusion of PWDs.

• Set up a fund that will address issues that concern persons with disabilities

• Public and private actors work to immediately implement the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act (2018) by complying with the provisions

• All stakeholders promote interventions that would drive massive community based awareness on disability inclusion

• All service providers incorporate the principles of Disability Inclusive Service Delivery (DISD) into their day to day operations

• Promote improved budgeting for disability interventions among MDAs

• Donor agencies increase available funding for Organizations of person with disabilities.

As mentioned earlier on, the following organizations have partnered with Cedar Seed Foundation to mark this years IDPD;

1. Al-huda Health and Youth Development Organization
2. Ark and Rainbow Development Foundation
3. ASLIN
4. Community Creative Center for Women and Girls with Disabilities
5. Disabled People in Leadership Initiative
6. E – Ability Platform
7. Equal Basis Development Initiative
8. Falconscare Initiative For Women With Disabilities Empowerment
9. Impact Driven Young Leaders Initiative
10. Inclusive Skills Development Initiative
11. Joint National Convention of Persons with Disabilities
12. Janet Funke Initiative
13. Lois & Innocent Institute
14. Mettle Splendour Ltd
15. Mimijane foundation for women and children with Disabilities
16. National Commission for Persons with Disabilities
17. Network of women with Disabilities
18. NEWS24
19. Open doors special education centre
20. Rainbow child’s right foundation
21. Regalis Logistics and Automobiles Enterprises
22. See-Hear Initiaitive
23. Sound Abilities for Vulnerable Women Initiative Nigeria ( SAVWIN)
24. Sussan’s Unique Oasis Foundation
25. The champions route foundation
26. The Engraced Ones
27. Prayer Support and Advocacy Initiative
28. The Gateway Studios Ltd.
29. Ugochukwu Ochemba Foundation (UOF)
30. Voice of traditional rulers in Africa
31. Women On Wheels Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd
32. Yandoma District Council
33. YES Project
34. Young Women Connect Network
35. Aderonke Rehabilitation Network
36. Hannis Foundation for Gender, Inclusion and Health (HaFGIH)
37. Project Nigeria Women Economic Development
38. Balance Creatives

This is therefore not just merely a call to action but a compelling directive to promote widespread awareness, dismantle barriers, and champion an inclusive and accessible society that redounds to the benefit of everyone. In unity, let us strive towards a world where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to a more equitable and sustainable future. Today, we celebrate 1.3 billion people in the world that has one form of disability or the other. Happy International Day for Persons with Disabilities 2023.

Lois Auta
Founder/Executive Director
Cedar Seed Foundation
07035106218