The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) has called on the Federal Government and other tiers of governance in Nigeria to take immediate and decisive action to end all forms of violence against children with disabilities. The organisation also stressed the urgent need to promote an inclusive education system that ensures every child—regardless of physical or cognitive ability—is seen, heard, and empowered.
The call was made on Friday during a virtual event held in commemoration of the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration. The event, themed “Our Future, Our Responsibility: Ending Violence and Promoting Inclusion for Children with Disabilities,” brought together stakeholders from across the country, including children, disability rights advocates, educators, and policymakers.
In his address, NAPVID’s Executive Director, Barr. Melody Omosah, emphasised that Nigeria’s future belongs to all children and that creating a safe, inclusive environment is a shared responsibility.
“We need bold and urgent action to stop the violence and discrimination faced by children with disabilities,” Omosah stated. “We must also commit to building an inclusive educational framework where no child is left behind.”
He pointed out that while Nigeria has robust legal protections for children with disabilities—including the Child Rights Act, the Disability Rights Prohibition Act, and the Universal Basic Education Act—these laws remain ineffective without genuine implementation.
He called on governments to turn policy into practice by making tangible changes in schools, healthcare facilities, and communities.
Delivering a goodwill message, Uchenna Florence Nwokedi of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) highlighted the need for intentional inclusion. She urged that children with disabilities be actively identified and included in all developmental and policy initiatives, including the establishment of inclusive “Children’s Parliaments” where they can speak for themselves.
Legal scholar and university lecturer, Dr. Anwuli Ofuani-Sokolo from the University of Benin, gave a comprehensive presentation tracing Nigeria’s legal and policy commitments from international frameworks—such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities—to domestic milestones like the 2023 National Policy on Inclusive Education.
“Inclusion must move beyond just access,” she said, stressing the need for individualized learning plans, adaptive technology, trained teachers, and peer-support systems like classroom buddies. She also called for inclusive budgeting to back these commitments with real resources.
Commenting on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against children with disabilities, Dr. Faith Edebor of the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Center noted that such violence is often underreported and ignored.
“These children face increased vulnerability due to communication barriers, isolation, and entrenched societal stereotypes,” she said.
Dr. Edebor advocated for safe reporting mechanisms, widespread community awareness campaigns, and cross-sector collaboration to prevent abuse and support survivors.