The Abuja Association of the Deaf has called for the support of the Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to implement a 5% employment quota for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in the recruitment processes of the Area Councils.
The Chairman of the Association, Mr. Ayoade Beyioku-Alase, made this appeal during an advocacy visit to the office of the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, Abuja, on Thursday.
“We are here as advocates for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, particularly the Deaf and Hard of Hearing,” Ayoade said during his speech. “Our aim is not only to address concerns about inclusivity and accessibility in FCT Area Council services but also to seek your support in bringing the attention of the FCT Ministers and other relevant bodies to the need for equal opportunities for the Deaf community in various sectors.
“We believe your office has the capacity to champion our cause, amplify our voice, and create a more inclusive and accessible environment for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community in the FCT.”
Addressing the challenges faced by the Deaf community in the FCT, Ayoade noted, “Unfortunately, we have observed a significant lack of inclusion and representation of the Deaf community in various Area Council initiatives and policy discussions. This exclusion deprives us of valuable opportunities and hinders the progress and development of our community.”
He highlighted the various obstacles faced by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, including communication barriers, inadequate educational opportunities, limited access to healthcare, and employment discrimination. He also pointed out that, despite their limited resources and constant advocacy, the Deaf community continues to be marginalized in the six Area Councils of the FCT.
“One of our primary concerns is to advocate for the Council’s support in implementing the 5% employment quota for PWDs, particularly the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, in the Area Council recruitment processes. The implementation of this quota has significant legal backing, as outlined in the National Disability Act of 2018 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to which Nigeria is a signatory. These laws emphasize inclusivity and equal rights for PWDs, encouraging their active participation in the socio-economic development of the country.”
As a representative of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community in the FCT, Ayoade stressed the importance of ensuring equal opportunities in the workforce.
“By creating an inclusive environment that embraces the skills, talents, and potential of PWDs, the FCT Area Councils can set a precedent for other agencies and organizations to follow. This will not only contribute to the overall development of the city but also empower PWDs to become active contributors to society.”
He also expressed appreciation for Ministries and Agencies in the FCT that are working towards ensuring that the Deaf and other PWDs are included in their policies, programs, and plans, with the 5% employment quota in line with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.
The Association further advocated for the establishment of a Disability Desk Officer and Special Adviser on Disabilities in each Area Council. This position, ideally managed by a person with disability, would serve as a focal point for disability-related matters, providing support and resources for PWDs.
In response, Bitrus Lawrence Garki-Atafache, the Mandate Secretary of the FCT Area Council Services Secretariat, acknowledged the challenges faced by PWDs in the FCT, particularly the lack of representation and participation in the six Area Councils. He agreed that the establishment of a Disability Desk and Special Advisers on Disability Matters aligns with his office’s mandate.
Garki-Atafache assured the group that he would discuss their requests with his colleagues and present them to the minister. He also promised to follow up on the matter with all six Area Councils and to include their demands in the quarterly meetings.