James Christoff, the Canada High Commissioner to Nigeria, has disclosed that there is a significant gap in the implementation and compliance to the National Disability Law in the federal, state, local or private levels.
He disclosed this at the close out program of the disability inclusion in governance organized by Cedar Seed Foundation with support from MacArthur Foundation and Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC) in Abuja.
Christoff said the commission takes great pride in supporting initiatives through Canadian fund for local initiatives. The project’s objective is to fortify local institutions and could do more on matter of governance and rule of law with a keen focus on promoting disability.
“The commission is modest with it’s resources, particularly, considering there are existing laws protecting Nigeria and discrimination against persons with disabilities.”
The High Commissioner notes that “strengthening partnership and fostering synergy between institutions would significantly enhance efforts to ensure widespread understanding and compliance with the provision of the law.”
Favour Adjara, Leader, Voice PWD Community of Practice noted that women with disabilities have the ability to contribute positively to the society, be it in politics, social economic or in empowerment aspect of the society.
She said “some women with disabilities have showed interest in contesting in one or two positions in the political sector in the past.
“Society should look at the capacity of the person to carry out the task given to her in the political sector and not the disability. Women with disabilities have the right to participate in politics, to vote and be voted for. They should not be deprived of their rights as women with disabilities.
“we need to consider setting up a policy that will guide against such discrimination as we proceed in this society especially in this country, Nigeria. Through this policy, we will be able to fight for the rights of women with disabilities. We can actually do much more.” She said.
Founder/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cedar Seed Foundation, Lois Auta called for inclusion and participation of women and girls with disabilities in politics and appointments in Nigeria.
According to her, the percent rate of participation of women and girls with disabilities in politics are at alarmingly low level.
“This is because women and girls with disabilities are seen as third class citizens and with this signifies a need to encourage more women and girls with disabilities participation in politics.
The CEO also said the project has so far created some milestones with appointment of Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-lawal as the chairperson of Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Nnene Bassey, SA on disability to Governor Umo Eno and some others were also recorded.
Rose Daniel, Project officer of Disability in Governance thanked MacArthur Foundation, Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC) and everyone who has contributed tremendously to the success of the project.
While highlighting the significant impacts and activities the group has engaged in, Ms Daniel said the foundation has recorded great number of successes on the project.
“We can see that some women with disabilities are appointed in Lagos and Akwa Ibom states which is one of the success stories that we have recorded on this project and we are looking forward to seeing more women with disabilities in governance.”