The National Leader of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare (Hon.) Durotolu Oyebode Bankole, has called on all tiers of government to intensify efforts toward full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, as Nigeria joins the global community to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, Bankole emphasized that this year’s theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” aligns with global commitments such as the Doha Political Declaration, urging nations to eliminate discriminatory barriers and embed inclusion in all sectors.
Bankole noted that although persons with disabilities continue to demonstrate excellence across fields—citing global icons like Stephen Hawking and Haben Girma—Nigerians with disabilities still face major challenges in education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and political participation. He lamented the slow pace of implementing disability laws and the persistent stigma faced by many.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for strengthening social protection initiatives, expanding accessible education programmes, and supporting targeted interventions for PWDs. He also praised First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for championing the rights of women and children with disabilities, alongside the APC leadership led by Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda for institutionalising disability representation within the party.
While highlighting his personal ongoing support through scholarships, grants, mobility aids, and welfare programmes for thousands of PWDs, Bankole stressed that more action is urgently needed to cushion economic hardship and improve accessibility nationwide.
He outlined key recommendations, including the development of a 10-year National Disability Inclusion Strategy (2026–2035), mandatory accessibility audits of public infrastructure, political leadership quotas for PWDs, and stronger collaboration between government and the private sector to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
“Inclusion is not charity; it is a fundamental human right,” he said. “A nation that marginalises any segment of its population ultimately impoverishes itself.”
Bankole urged Nigerians to commit to building a society where no one is left behind due to disability, calling on the country to uphold principles of justice, equality, and dignity under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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