PWDs Highlight Barriers To Inclusion At News Central Town Hall

By Adeagbon Goodness Oluwadara, Abuja

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have raised concerns over persistent barriers to inclusion, calling for stronger policy implementation and representation at a town hall organised by News Central TV in Asaba, Delta State.

The event, sponsored by The Albino Foundation Africa (TAF Africa), brought together more than 200 participants, including PWDs, community leaders, policymakers, advocates and healthcare experts, to discuss challenges affecting persons with disabilities and propose solutions.

Held at Bon Hotel, the forum focused on key issues such as access to education, employment, healthcare and the need for policy reforms to improve the welfare of PWDs in Delta State and across Nigeria.

Participants shared personal experiences highlighting systemic discrimination and infrastructural challenges. A visually impaired English teacher, Sola Idowu, said he had struggled to secure employment since 2014 due to exclusion and bias.

Another participant, Chinedu Uwabuofu, cited poor accessibility at Delta State University, noting that the absence of disability-friendly facilities often forced him to remain outside classrooms during lectures.

Stakeholders at the event called for greater inclusion in governance. President of ISJID, Isaac Odjuwu, urged federal and state governments to create designated seats for persons with disabilities in legislative bodies to ensure their voices are represented in policymaking.

“We cannot initiate laws that will improve our lives without being part of the process,” he said.

The 14th Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, also stressed the need to move beyond policy formulation to the implementation of existing laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Other speakers, including representatives of TAF Africa and local government officials, emphasised the importance of dismantling structural barriers and promoting equal participation for PWDs in society.

Interactive sessions during the town hall allowed participants to present concerns and suggest community-driven initiatives, while News Central pledged continued media advocacy to support disability inclusion.

Managing Director of News Central, Kayode Akintemi, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and promoting social change.