Port Harcourt, Nigeria – March 21, 2025 – FAECARE Foundation has successfully concluded its Stakeholder Engagement program, marking the end of the Disability Rights Initiative Project: Accessibility (DRIPA). Launched last year, DRIPA aimed to promote inclusion and improve accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Rivers State.
The event brought together key stakeholders, advocates, and policymakers to discuss the challenges of accessibility and explore actionable solutions.
The Executive Director of FAECARE Foundation, Ambassador Ndifreke Andrew-Essien, delivered a compelling welcome address, stressing the urgent need for government, private institutions, and the general public to take concrete steps toward ensuring accessibility for PWDs.
A crucial part of the engagement was the presentation of an audit report by the project’s technical adviser, Barr. Agbaje. The report highlighted gaps in disability rights awareness, revealing that 43.5% of respondents in Rivers State were unaware of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Law. Those familiar with the legislation primarily learned about it through media platforms, advocacy organizations, and public sensitization efforts. In her keynote address, Dr. Obraori Adiela underscored that accessibility is a fundamental right, urging stakeholders to take the lead in ensuring inclusivity.
A major highlight of the event was the screening of a documentary showcasing DRIPA’s impact, including training programs, refresher sessions, advocacy visits, and accessibility walks. The event also recognized individuals, organizations, and stakeholders who have played significant roles in championing disability accessibility. Awards were presented by Ambassador Freky Andrew-Essien to outstanding advocates, acknowledging their contributions to improving accessibility in Rivers State.
As DRIPA concluded, FAECARE Foundation introduced its next phase of advocacy—the Disability Rights Initiative Project: Rural Rivers (DRIP:RR). This new initiative will focus on extending accessibility awareness and advocacy efforts to rural communities in Rivers State. Speaking on this, Faith Amadi emphasized the need for continued efforts to ensure disability inclusion reaches underserved areas.
The program reaffirmed FAECARE Foundation’s commitment to fostering an inclusive society where accessibility is not just a policy but a lived reality. The call to action remains clear: government agencies, private organizations, and the general public must work collectively to guarantee that persons with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of life in Rivers State.
Join Inclusive News Network WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Click Here
1 comment
You are so wonderful and God will reward you .