Foundation To Empower Persons With Disabilities in FCT

The executive director of Sustainable Families Healthcare Foundation (SFHF), Peters Ogunmayin, has the organisation is working to empower thousands of persons with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a capacity-building programme for civil society organisations (CSOs) and Leaders of Persons with Disabilities (LPDs) on advancing disability inclusion, Ogunmayin explained that the initiative was part of a new development project by the foundation aimed at creating nationwide awareness about disability rights.

“We are focusing on disability awareness to educate all citizens of Nigeria. Today, we are also engaging persons with disabilities themselves to strengthen their capacity to share information and return to their communities better informed,” he said.

He explained that the programme aims to inform the public about the Disability Act and its provisions, which have been approved by the Federal Government and enacted into law.

“For the FCT, implementation is ongoing, while some states have already begun working on theirs.

That is why we are creating awareness and building capacity to help stakeholders understand the content of the policy and their roles,” he stated.

Ogunmayin noted that some communities in Abuja might still be unaware of the Act’s provisions. He revealed that a meeting with the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat is expected next week to further discuss the establishment of a commission for persons with disabilities in the FCT.

“We already have the National Commission, but the FCT is working towards establishing its own commission or agency. The process is almost complete. The policy planning meetings have been concluded, and the Honourable Minister has given approval after reviewing the policy document,” he said.

According to him, the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat has collaborated with the World Bank and other donors, and the policy is expected to be officially launched within the next one or two months.

He also disclosed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is planning to support aspects of the project.

Ogunmayin emphasised that the foundation’s mission is to increase sensitisation and awareness of disability laws among key stakeholders while strengthening the capacity of persons with disabilities to advocate for their rights.

Also speaking, Dr Kehinde Ogubiyatan, Head of the Education Unit at the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, commended SFHF for building the capacity of relevant stakeholders, including CSOs and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), on the provisions of the Disability Act.

He said the programme focuses on understanding the Act and supporting its enforcement to promote accessibility and inclusion in society.

“We must ensure that we promote accessibility and inclusion across society. The government has a role to play, and CSOs have a responsibility as well. Both the demand and supply sides must work together to ensure effective enforcement of the Act in Nigeria,” he said.

Ogubiyatan noted that many communities still lack adequate awareness of the Disability Act and its provisions. He called on media organisations to support advocacy efforts by creating more awareness and encouraging compliance among stakeholders.

“There are challenges, including capacity gaps, communication gaps, lack of awareness, and infrastructural barriers. Many buildings in Nigeria are still not accessible, despite the existence of laws and regulations that specify standards for accessibility,” he stated.

He added that continuous engagement, advocacy, and collaboration among stakeholders are necessary to bridge these gaps and ensure that facilities and services are accessible to persons with disabilities nationwide.