In a resolute commitment to diminish inequality, the Bola Tinubu-led government has pledged to advance social, economic, and political inclusion for all citizens with disabilities in Nigeria.
The commitment was made by Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, during an event organized by Total Inclusion Limited and sponsored by First Bank of Nigeria to observe the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Osifoluke Abiodun, representing the Minister, emphasized the imperative for unity among the government and private stakeholders concerning Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Abiodun stated that PWDs must actively participate in programs and activities designed to enhance their well-being and welfare.
“To achieve the SDGs, both government and stakeholders must collaborate on issues concerning PWDs. They must be involved in programs aimed at improving their well-being,” she asserted.
Highlighting the Ministry’s role as the custodian of disability issues in Nigeria, Abiodun reiterated their commitment to realizing the SDGs, aiming to reduce inequality by empowering and fostering social, economic, and political inclusion for all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Oluwakemi Odusanya, a board member of Total Inclusion Nigeria, underscored the purpose of the event—to educate PWDs about their rights, particularly in anticipation of the implementation phase of the Disability Act. Odusanya stressed the importance of unified action and advocacy to ensure a harmonized approach when the law takes effect.
“This program is basically to ensure that persons with disability, know the rights, their positions when it comes to disability act, it has gone for over 5 years and next year will mark the implementation phase.
“But do Persons with Disability know what or the processes that the act has to do. That is why we are organizing this as a mark, just as the theme of the commemoration says, united in action so we want to stand with one voice to understand how we are going to start the implementation phase so that when that time comes we all will speak with one voice, we all will advocate for one thing and we all would get the same result,” she said.
Speaking on the efficacy of the disability law and the government’s efforts, Odusanya expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s administration, noting that the law’s implementation would be more impactful. She urged the federal focal person for PWDs to ensure the law’s active enforcement and sought the support of PWD representatives to prevent its dormancy.
David Okon, the Executive Director of Total Inclusion Limited, commended the former president for signing the Disability Act into law, considering it a significant step toward recognizing equal rights for PWDs.
He called for amendments to standardize the law, emphasizing the importance of its passage and assuring that Total Inclusion would champion reviews and advocacy efforts for widespread acceptance and implementation.