ABUJA – The Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD) has called for the establishment of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commission for Persons with Disabilities, in accordance with the Nigeria Disability Act of 2018, to safeguard the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the territory.
This appeal was made by the Chairman of AAD, Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, during the Abuja Inclusive Marathon Walk held on Saturday in Abuja. The event, which marked the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), aimed to promote inclusion and raise awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
Beyioku-Alase urged the FCT Minister to prioritize disability inclusion and take immediate action to remove barriers that limit accessibility in the FCT. He expressed disappointment over the continued inaccessibility of government offices and ministries, despite multiple efforts to engage them in constructive dialogue.
“We celebrate the strides made so far but remain deeply concerned about the persistent inaccessibility of the FCT Minister’s office and other MDAs to persons with disabilities,” Beyioku-Alase stated. “We urge the FCT Minister and the Minister of State to prioritize inclusion and address these issues immediately. Similarly, we call on government MDAs and the private sector to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and protected as stipulated in the Nigeria Disability Act of 2018.”
He emphasized that discrimination against persons with disabilities is not only unlawful but punishable under the Act, calling for collective efforts to create a more inclusive society.
Beyioku-Alase highlighted key challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria, including accessibility issues, educational inequality, social stigma, employment barriers, and inadequate access to assistive technologies. He also called for the official recognition of sign language as a legal language in Nigeria.
The theme of this year’s IDPWD, “Transformative Solution for Inclusive Development: The Future is Accessible with Sign Language Inclusion,” aligns with AAD’s mission to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the FCT.
Other speakers at the event echoed these sentiments. Janet Fashakin, Executive Director of Disability Plus Initiative, emphasized the importance of full inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society to foster belonging and equality.
Similarly, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia, Director of Social Integration at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, stressed that the Marathon Walk symbolized a celebration of diversity and inclusivity, reiterating the need to ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of national development.
Mr. Sani Amar, Director of Social Welfare at the Social Development Secretariat, noted that December 3rd is globally recognized as International Day of Persons with Disabilities. He urged society to respect persons with disabilities, reminding everyone that “we are all deformed in one way or another.” Amar pledged the support of the FCT Social Development Secretariat in enhancing the welfare of persons with disabilities and safeguarding their rights.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here