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Tag: PLWDs

  • ‘Don’t compromise on PLWDs’ welfare’

    ‘Don’t compromise on PLWDs’ welfare’

    Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation has urged the government to intensify its commitment to the welfare and protection of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

    Speaking in Lagos at an awareness and advocacy programme to celebrate World Disability Day, Coordinator, Kehinde Oshilaja, said welfare of persons with disabilities should be prioritised, ‘’especially during festive periods when support is important.’’

    He said: “As the Yuletide approaches and celebrations take place globally, all tiers of government must prioritise the welfare of people living with disabilities. Their needs should be factored into social intervention programmes, health care delivery and educational support.”

    Oshilaja noted that meaningful inclusion, accessible infrastructure, free education and health care, as well as employment opportunities were critical to improving the quality of lives of PLWDs.

    The programme drew support from religious leaders across faiths.

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    During the Jumat service at Lagos Central Mosque, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaimon Abdulnalla, called on the government to emulate best global standards in disability care.

    At a Sunday service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Alago Meji, Lagos, Pastor Balogun Ayobami offered special prayers for persons with disabilities and declared that they would experience divine restoration and favour.

    Traditionalists added their voices. At the Ijo Orunmila Ato, Lagos Mainland headquarters, the Chief Priest, Ademola Fabunmi, hailed individuals and organisations for caring for persons with disabilities and advised monarchs to use their influence and resources to uplift the vulnerable in the society.

    The World Disability Day celebration ended with renewed calls for collaborative action involving government, religious bodies, traditional institutions, organisations and individuals to ensure persons with disabilities were not only protected, but also fully integrated into the society.

  • Accessiblity compliance certificate for PLWDs

    Accessiblity compliance certificate for PLWDs

    Executive Secretary of National Commission of Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Gufwan, has unveiled national certificates of compliance for enforcement of discrimination against PLWDs

    He said these certificates represent a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards inclusivity and accessibility for persons living with disabilities.

    National Accessibility Regulations 2023, a subsidiary legislation under Disability Act 2018 provides that the commission shall develop a guideline for implementation.

    Gufwan spoke at the rollout and unveiling of the certificates in Abuja, saying this will enable effective enforcement of regulations leading to issuance of the following certifications and resultant fees for services.

    “The National Accessibility Compliance Certificate will be made available to property owners, companies and organisations, these include new building owners,  accessibility expert and disability Including development Trainers’ Licensing and training fees.

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    “The guidelines have been developed, awaiting gazette publication and codification by Office of the Accountant General of the Federation,

    ‘‘The process of certification will generate IGR for the commission and government. The issuance of certificates and processing of third-party licensees are provided for in the guidelines, it shall be administered and processed by the relevant department”.

    He said a centralised issuance signed by the secretary is a guarantee against counterfeiting coupled with other safeguards, as importance of accessibility is a right for PLWDs to partake fully in society.

    Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who was represented by Mrs. Patience Onyekere, a Permanent Secretary in the office of the Head of Service noted that the unveiling of the certificates marks and important milestone in the country, as it includes equity, access and inclusiveness for all.

  • Foundation seeks pilgrim slots for PLWDs

    Foundation seeks pilgrim slots for PLWDs

    the Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation, a non-governmental organisation dedicated to welfare of people living with disabilities (PLWDs), has appealed to President Bola Tinubu, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and other governors to give PLWDs pilgrimage opportunities to Saudi and Jerusalem.

    Speaking at a palliative distribution and get-together for members in Lagos, Founder, Kehinde Oshilaja, spoke as part of activities marking Eid-el-Kabir. The event took place at the foundation’s office on Simpson Street by Ladipo Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos.

    “We implore Governor Sanwo-Olu, his fellow governors, and President Bola Tinubu to remember us whenever pilgrimage slots for Hajj or Jerusalem are being allocated,” Oshilaja said.

    “We ask that at least two slots be reserved for people living with disabilities. Among us are Christians, Muslims, and even traditional worshippers — some of who journey annually to Brazil and Cuba to fulfill their religious obligations. We believe in your leadership and trust that this inclusion will be implemented.”

    Oshilaja greeted Nigerians on Eid-el-Kabir and Democracy Day, noting the economic and health challenges confronting PLWDs.

    “We are hungry, we are dying — many of us have no access to food and healthcare. We appeal to governments to act,” he said.

    The event featured prayers, feasting, and a sermon by Sheikh Imam Rasaq Bello, chief imam of Ahmadiyya Central Mosque, Ebute Meta. Sheikh Bello urged Nigerians to embrace patience, unity, and religious tolerance.

    “Prophet Ibrahim (AS) waited nearly 90 years before he was blessed with a son, and he remained faithful and fulfilled his vow to God,” the cleric noted. “Those in power must emulate this example — they must keep their promises to the people, especially the vulnerable.”

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    He also called on leaders to be mindful of the plight of the masses, particularly those living with disabilities, stressing that governance must be rooted in compassion and inclusiveness.

    The foundation expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters who made the event a success, including the Ansarudeen Society, Ebute Meta Branch; Mrs. Olanrewaju of Selek Group of Schools; Alhaji Lateef Olanrewaju Sodiq; Chief Abiodun Jamiu Kakawa; as well as other stakeholders and well-wishers.

    Special appreciation was also extended to members of the press, religious leaders, the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and advisers such as Hon. Ganiu Sofolahan and Comrade Wale Balogun, for their continuous support.

    “May Almighty Allah reward everyone who contributed to this beautiful program, and may the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Lagos State continue to thrive in peace and unity,” Oshilaja concluded.