The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has urged the government to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities in leadership roles, emphasizing its crucial role in achieving a sustainable future for Nigeria.
JONAPWD’s National President, Mr. Abdullahi Usman, made the call at a one-day conference of stakeholders on disabilities inclusion in Nigeria in Abuja on Wednesday.
Mr. Usman stressed that the inclusion of persons with disabilities in leadership positions is vital for promoting equality, social justice, and human rights.
He said, “We are using this conference to advocate for active involvement of persons with disabilities in the planning of strategies and policies that affect their lives.
“The motto “Nothing About Us Without Us” relies on this principle of participation, and we will continue to use it in our advocacy to achieving the full participation and equalization of opportunities for, by and with persons with disabilities.”
In her keynote address entitled: ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,’ Dr. Jummai Umar-Ajijola, said achieving inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in leadership positions requires increase in representation in government as well as institutionalising economic empowerment.
“Unemployment rate among Persons with Disabilities remains high, according to the The National Bureau of Statistics(NBS). Addressing this requires Private, Public and Civil Society Actions because economic empowerment has a great influence in shaping leadership roles.
“We must also ensure that PWDs actively engage in policies and programs of government for equal opportunities. This, however, cannot be achieved without adequate representation in government,” she remarked.
JONAPWD, as an umbrella organization for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria, has been advocating for the rights and development of Nigerians with disabilities since its establishment in 1992.
The organization has been working tirelessly to promote inclusive governance, education, and economic empowerment opportunities for persons with disabilities. JONAPWD has also been collaborating with international organizations, such as the Disability Rights Fund, to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
By calling for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in leadership roles, JONAPWD aims to promote a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and participate.