Ekiti Govt Backs PWDs’ Inclusion In Climate Policies

Ekiti State government has lamented the myriad of challenges facing People With Disabilities (PWDs), saying involving them in climate change policies will add value to the scheme of things in the state.

The special adviser to the governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Princess Adetoun Agboola, who stated this, said the inclusion of PWDs in climate policies must not be treated as an afterthought.

She spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital while declaring open the public dialogue meeting and presentation of a policy brief report on disability inclusive climate action in Ekiti State.

The dialogue was powered by the ‘Disability Not A Barrier Initiative’ (DINABI), supported by CBM and co-founded by Irish Aid and the European Union.

Agboola said promoting disability inclusive climate action in the state, speaks directly to the heart of total environmental sustainability and social justice.

“It must be a central pillar. When we design a climate action that takes into account the unique experience adaptability of PWDs, we will not only uphold human rights but also build stronger, more resilient people.”

Stressing the need to amplify the voices of the PWDs, she said climate change is a defined challenge with real and widespread impacts, often noticed with the most vulnerable and  PWDs in the society who are already facing barriers in some quarters in the state.

“They are already facing barriers in accessing education, healthcare, mobility and employment; they are equally being affected by extreme weather, displacement and others.”

She, however, said that despite these challenges, PWDs continue to show creativity and leadership in bringing solutions to the challenges of their communities.

According to her, the state government is ensuring that all its programmes, especially in education, social development and environmental sustainability, reflect the principle of accessibility, participation and equity.

In his opening address, the executive director of Mr Olayide Funso Benjamin, called on the state government to attend COP 30 as the  whole world is  now focusing on the effects of climate change

He said, “There are predictions that if by 2030, something drastic is not done, there is every possibility that the earth would shift from its present position and if that happens, there is a possibility that it may move closer to the sun, which means that it will also increase the temperature of the earth. And when the temperature increases, you can imagine what will happen.”