The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Banku Obi, has called for the full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 to better support people with disabilities in Nigeria.

She made this call during the 1st National Colloquium and Conference on Special Needs Education, held at the University of Calabar in honor of Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji.

Themed Nigerian Special Needs Education: In Search of an Identity, the conference gathered experts and stakeholders to discuss the progress and challenges faced by people with disabilities in Nigeria. Prof. Obi noted that special needs education is not limited to individuals in the field but is a matter of concern for society as a whole, reminding everyone that disability can affect anyone at any stage of life.

Recalling the later years of literary icon Prof. Chinua Achebe, who lived with a disability until his death, Prof. Obi urged well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to actively support the enforcement of the Disability Act. This act, she emphasized, is crucial for ensuring that people with disabilities have equal opportunities to thrive within Nigerian society.

In her tribute to the honoree, Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, the Vice Chancellor hailed him as a dedicated scholar, prolific writer, and exceptional mentor, whose work has left an indelible mark on the field of special needs education.

Speaking earlier, the Colloquium Convener, Prof. Julius Ademokoya, applauded Prof. Obi for her leadership and for hosting the event, referring to her as a source of pride within the profession.

The event was attended by notable personalities, including the honoree, Prof. Emeka Desmond Ozoji, the Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Prof. Shaykh-Luqman Alade Jimoh (represented by Deputy VC Academics, Prof. Olubokola Dada), and Dr. Deborah Agu, among others.

The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) is stepping up efforts to ensure the full inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state. In a significant move, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, welcomed representatives of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) to a strategic meeting held in the agency’s conference room on Monday, 14th October 2024. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing quest to advance the rights and integration of PWDs across Lagos.

During the meeting, discussions centered on the need for robust policies that would guarantee the integration of PWDs into various sectors of Lagos society. Both parties explored several key areas where inclusion efforts need to be strengthened, particularly in transportation, education, advocacy, healthcare, and the development of tailored intervention programs. There was a consensus that while progress has been made, more comprehensive strategies and implementation frameworks are required to ensure that PWDs can fully participate in all aspects of daily life.

One of the focal points of the discussion was the importance of inclusive transportation. With Lagos being a mega city, representatives emphasized the urgent need to make public transport systems accessible to people with mobility challenges. It was noted that enhancing accessibility would not only benefit PWDs but also improve the overall efficiency and inclusivity of the city’s transport network. Additionally, the importance of inclusive education was underscored, with JONAPWD calling for greater attention to be given to ensuring that schools and educational institutions provide necessary support and accommodations for students with disabilities.

The dialogue also delved into healthcare services, with the parties agreeing that access to affordable and specialized healthcare for PWDs must be prioritized. They identified gaps in existing health policies and proposed collaborative programs aimed at addressing these issues. Advocacy, as a driving force for systemic change, was highlighted as an area where stronger partnership between LASODA and JONAPWD could amplify the voices of PWDs in policy discussions.

INN reports that at the conclusion of the meeting, both LASODA and JONAPWD reaffirmed their commitment to working together to drive the disability movement forward. They expressed optimism that through their collaboration, more inclusive practices would be adopted across the state, and meaningful progress would be made toward achieving full integration of individuals with disabilities in Lagos. This partnership signals a new phase of the disability rights movement in Lagos, promising hope for a future where all citizens, regardless of ability, can thrive.

Sequel to the agitations for an inclusive Salary structure for Persons with disabilities and the consequent visit of the Disability Commission to the National Assembly, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Chief Ayuba Gufwan has further taken the advocacy for an enhanced Salary structure to the Headquarters of National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) recently in Abuja.

The Executive Secretary informed that the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities since its establishment in 2020 has been carrying the burden of over 35 million Nigerians with one form of disability or the other and cannot afford to fail.

The Disability Boss alluded that the inability of NCPWD to expand and operate regional offices has been as a result of the low budgetary provisions and absence of disability allowances.

He equally acknowledged that his appointment by the Commander -in- Chief of the armed forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was to renew the hope that Persons with Disabilities are not alone in the struggle.

Ayuba added that the sustainability of a person with disability requires an extra financial responsibility.

“Let me state categorically that whenever a person with disability is to perform a task, there is always a need to budget for either a guide, an assistant or a sign language interpreter for the task to be accomplished” he said.

Gufwan underscored the need to upscale the salary structure due to current economic realities.

He further appreciated the Wages Commission for their passionate display of commitment to the course of Persons with disabilities despite the challenges of accessibility to their office premises.

However, the Acting Secretary National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission Mr. Chiadi Adighiogu apologized for the inconveniences experienced by the team due to lack of accessibility but, reaffirmed the commitments of the Federal government to review the salary structures of Persons with Disabilities.

He further disclosed that his office is awaiting the response of the request on the salary matter from the Presidency before taking up the next steps on the issue.

The Ag.Secretary also promised to convey the outcome of the request to the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities as soon as approval is given.

By Umar Saleh, Bauchi

During the 2024 International White Cane Day event on October 15, the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities reaffirmed its dedication to assisting vulnerable groups, including amputees.

The event, held in Bauchi, emphasized promoting awareness of the rights and independence of visually impaired individuals.

In a gesture of kindness, Executive Secretary Briska Joram provided financial assistance to a participant who had recently lost a leg. The individual, who had helped carry a banner during the celebration, was gifted fifty thousand naira to help with his medical expenses and recovery.

While presenting the donation, Joram expressed her best wishes for his speedy recovery and emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Bauchi State.

This act highlights the agency’s continued focus on fostering an inclusive society, ensuring the necessary support and recognition for those with physical challenges.

By Umar Saleh, Bauchi

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities (SSAP) Mohammed Abba Isa paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Bauchi, HRH Dr. Rilwan Suleiman Adamu, in celebration of International White Cane Safety Day.

The event, held in partnership with the Nigerian Association of the Blind (NAB) on October 15, 2024, in Bauchi State, highlighted the significance of the white cane as a symbol of independence, freedom, and empowerment for individuals with visual impairments.

The white cane enables millions of visually impaired individuals worldwide to safely navigate their surroundings, promoting their inclusion and participation in society. The event also featured a road walk aimed at raising awareness about the cane’s critical role in mobility and independence for the blind.

The Emir expressed satisfaction with the event’s success and pledged his ongoing support for future initiatives aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities in Bauchi State. Additionally, the presidential aide extended heartfelt thanks to the Emir and the Bauchi State government for their continued backing of disability programs and progressive disability policies.

The visit underscored the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and the federal government to advance the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities. The event, generously sponsored by the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, demonstrated the state’s commitment to creating a more inclusive environment for all citizens.

Abba Isa praised the Bauchi State government for their leadership and dedication to disability-friendly policies, which have significantly improved the lives of persons with disabilities in the state.

At a two-day National Dialogue on integrating inclusivity for persons with disabilities into criminal justice administration and reforms, held in Abuja on the 17th and 18th of October, 2024, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities emphasized that significant efforts are still needed to close the justice gap.

While addressing stakeholders in the disability community, the Executive Secretary underscored the lack of adequate access to justice for persons with disabilities across various sectors, as he opened the workshop for discussion.

“You would agree with me that persons with disabilities, across various clusters, are still unable to fully access justice as they should in many aspects,” he remarked.

He highlighted the need for different forms of accessibility, including sign language interpreters for the Deaf, braille materials for the visually impaired, wheelchair-accessible ramps in court premises, and financial provisions for those with disabilities.

However, he lamented the fact that many public facilities have yet to comply with accessibility regulations set by the Commission.

Additionally, he noted that numerous lawyers with disabilities face significant challenges in accessing court environments and legal materials needed for their practice.

Dr. Oluwatoyin Badejogbin, Project Manager for Criminal Justice Reforms, also outlined the workings of the justice system and steps needed to improve the current situation.

Similarly, Barr. Ikem Uchegbulam, Director of Compliance and Enforcement at NCPWD, reflected on some of the positive changes within the legal process, noting that the 2015 ACJA now allows women to post bail, a step towards equality in law.

The Taraba State House of Assembly has made significant progress in promoting inclusivity by advancing a bill that seeks to establish the Taraba State Persons with Disability Commission.

The bill, which passed its second reading on Thursday, represents a crucial step toward ensuring the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in the state.

If enacted, the commission will be tasked with overseeing various aspects of life for persons with disabilities, including their education, healthcare, and protection of their social, economic, and civil rights. The creation of such a body would provide a formal structure for addressing the unique challenges faced by this community and ensure that they are fully integrated into society.

Speaker of the House, John Kizito Bonzena, who presided over the debate, stressed the importance of the bill. He emphasized that the proposed commission is essential for fostering a more inclusive society where discrimination against people with disabilities is eliminated, and their contributions are recognized. He further reiterated that people with disabilities deserve equal opportunities as valued members of society.

During the session, Tafarki Agbadu Eneme, the representative for Kurmi Constituency, presented the bill’s summary. He noted that the bill’s primary aim is to improve service delivery and strengthen collaboration between service providers and persons with disabilities. This, he said, would enhance the quality of support available to them.

Members Josiah Yaro, representing Wukari One, and Veronica Alhassan, representing Bali One, also voiced their strong support for the bill. They highlighted the persistent discrimination faced by persons with disabilities and expressed optimism that establishing the commission would lead to meaningful improvements in their lives.