The Abuja Association of the Deaf (AAD) has concluded the historic Abuja Inclusive Marathon Walk, an event organized to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD).
This landmark initiative, the first of its kind in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), united people with and without disabilities to promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and showcase the resilience of the human spirit.
The theme for this year’s IDPWD, “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Future is Accessible with Sign Language Inclusion,” underscores the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
In a statement signed by the Association’s Chairman, Mr. Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, he highlighted how the theme aligns with their mission to advocate for the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the FCT.
Ayoade noted, “The Abuja Inclusive Marathon underscored the persistent challenges faced by Deaf individuals, other persons with disabilities, and children with disabilities across Nigeria.”
He emphasized the need for the establishment of an FCT Commission for Persons with Disabilities, which would focus on promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the territory.
The chairman also expressed disappointment over the continued inaccessibility of the FCT Minister’s office and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to persons with disabilities, despite repeated efforts to initiate dialogue.
“We call on the FCT Minister and the Minister of State to urgently address these barriers and prioritize disability inclusion.
“We also appeal to all government institutions, MDAs, and private sector organizations to recognize the needs of persons with disabilities and take proactive steps to protect their rights.
“Let us remember that discrimination against persons with disabilities is a punishable offense under the Nigeria Disability Act (2018). We must work together to build an inclusive society where everyone’s rights are respected,” Ayoade concluded.
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