The Irede Foundation has again advocated equal opportunities and inclusion for People With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria in every facet of life.
Set for the 2024 Out On A Limb (OOAL) disability advocacy Walk, held in 60 locations in the world on Saturday, April 13. Its Executive Director, Mrs Crystal Chigbu, in a statement, said the movement would bring together a global community of individuals passionate and dedicated to empowering and including persons with disabilities (PWDs) in society.
With the theme ‘Celebrating Every Step’, the Foundation maintained that this year’s event aims to celebrate every step taken towards building a more inclusive world.
Taking place in Uyo, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Markurdi, Asaba, Ebonyi, Benin City, Ado Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kafachan and Barnawa- both in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Bernin Kebbi, Lokoja, Ilorin, (Amuwo Odofin, Alimosho, Ikorodu) all in Lagos; the Walk aimed at raising public awareness about the challenges that children with limb loss and persons with disabilities face. “The theme stems from a place of necessity; the need for people with disabilities to be in an inclusive world” Chigbu affirmed.
Other locations are Nasarawa, Minna, (Ijebu Igbo, Abeokuta, and Otta, all in Ogun state. Osogbo, Ede and Iwo, all in Osun State. Ibadan in Oyo State, Jos, Portharcourt, Bafarawa in Sokoto state, Wukari in Taraba, Abuja, Dubai and Liverpool in England.
“People with disabilities are grossly underrepresented especially in a country like Nigeria and this in turn limits them and makes them feel like they live in a box. This year Out On A Limb will be the platform for people with disabilities to care about and see themselves as part of the larger world. It will give others the opportunity to see how disabilities and exclusion affect them and how we can all build a more inclusive society.
“OOAL harnesses the power of people to create engagement, mobilise communities, and inspire action. By joining hands and raising their voices, 6,000 participants will walk together, highlighting the challenges faced by People Living with Disabilities and emphasising the collective responsibility to foster a society that embraces diversity.
“The event aims to raise national and global consciousness about disability inclusion, promoting positive attitudes and behaviours towards people with disabilities. Furthermore, OOAL advocates inclusive access to quality education, ensuring that learners with disabilities have equal opportunities for lifelong learning”
The statement stressed that apart from inclusiveness for people with special needs in the educational sector, the OOAL Advocacy Walk also focuses on bridging the employability gap for the same people. It added that, by fostering a positive attitude and behaviour towards PWDs, the event aims to create a more inclusive workforce and promote economic empowerment for these special people in society.
“The OOAL Advocacy Walk is not only a platform for raising awareness but also an opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. This year’s event specifically targets children and youths with disabilities, as well as the broader community of persons with disabilities.
“Over the last 10 years, we have given 534 limbs to 483 children. An indirect reach of 10,000,000 people and a direct reach of 15,000 people across the world. So as we take a decisive step towards a more inclusive society, together, we can empower and include persons with disabilities, celebrating every step towards a brighter future,” the statement affirmed.