Persons with disabilities (PWDs) yesterday charged the federal government with inclusion in its policies and programmes that would guarantee and implement inclusive formulations and facilitate the passage of a disabilities bill that aims at eradicating barriers against them.
The chairman of the National Association for Persons Disabilities (NAPWPD), FCT chapter Agbo Christian Obiora, stated this at the press conference in commemorations of 2022 international day for persons with disabilities, Theme: “Transformation Solutions For Inclusive Development the role of Innovation in Fuelling on Accessible and equitable World” yesterday in Abuja.
Commending the government for giving them visibility on their special day, Agbo warned that no serious government or politician neglects the huge population of the disabled persons and succeeds, “we are strong, powerful and ready to contribute to sustainable development.
“However, l use this opportunity to call on the federal, state, LGA, to guarantee equal rights that would ensure equality of opportunity; accessibility; equality between men and women; respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities,” he said.
He said the United Nations (UN) through resolution 47/3 of 1992, aimed to promote the rights, development, well-being, and inclusion of PWDs in all spheres of society including political, social, economic and cultural life.
Meanwhile, the director of planning, research and statistics, Adewale Olasoji Ebenezer, while commenting on the efforts by the parents of children with disabilities, agreed that giving desired attention to the people with disabilities has remained a global challenge.
According to him, this year’s occasion, which brought together parents, children, people with various disabilities, aimed at understanding their issues and mobilizing support for their dignity, rights and wellbeing.
To achieve this, Ebenezer said the ministry is fully determined to devote more attention to issues relating to the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
