Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) have been urged to focus on their abilities rather than their challenges to contribute to the nation’s development.
President of Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN), Alhaji Abdul Wasi’ Salaudeen, said this while delivering an address at Ability Expo and Talent Hunt Exhibition, organised by Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA) in Lagos.
Speaking on “Disability is Not an Inability”, Salaudeen, represented by Miss Habeebah Abdul-Waheed, stressed that talent alone is not enough for success in life.
He noted many gifted individuals fail to reach their potential due to lack of exposure, support, and opportunities.
“Every human being is created for a purpose. Each of us is born with a gift, a skill, or a talen…”he said.
He urged governments to empower PWDs and foster an inclusive society. Salaudeen lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his efforts to improve their welfare
The MAVIN president appealed to Nigerians to support initiatives promoting affordable education, mentorship, and empowerment for PWDs, thereby enabling them add value and creativity to society.
Head of Administration at LASODA, Mrs. Sonubi Omolade, said the exhibition was to shift public perception from disability to ability.
“This initiative is part of Lagos State’s inclusive policies, which ensure persons with disabilities are fully integrated into society,” she explained.
Director of Social Development and Integration, Kilani Akeem, said the exhibition is evidence of the state’s commitment to inclusion.
The event featured displays of crafts, artworks, branded bags, soaps, and other products created by PWDs, as well as dance competitions.
Experts have called on the government and other stakeholders to pay attention to the needs of the People with Disabilities (PWD), Refugees and Displaced Persons (RDPs) and other vulnerable individuals and include them in the policy process.
The experts, including the academics, researchers, legal practitioners and the media, gave the charge in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital, at a workshop organised by the Partnership for African Social Governance Research, supported by the MasterCard Foundation.
The event was attended by representatives of government Youth agencies, youth organisations, academics, Legal experts on RDPs, civil society organisations, researchers, persons with disabilities, Social Workers, the media, young entrepreneurs, among others.
The workshop heralded the policy-oriented project titled African Youth Pathways to Resilience and Systems Change (AYPReS), currently going on in 10 African countries, including Nigeria.
The Keynote speaker, Professor Bukola Akinbola of the Faculty of Law, University of Ibadan, charged the government to focus attention on empowering people with disabilities, refugees, and unemployed youths by promoting equal access to opportunities for resilience in and independence for these people.
Professor Akinbola, who advocated career guidance with broad opportunities for youths with disabilities, also charged the media to report the vulnerable groups as people with resilience and not as dependents who are restricted to certain jobs.
“Resilience and systems change in Africa require inclusion of youths with disabilities. They should be represented in education, healthcare, and employment decisions. Regardless of disability, no youth should be left behind in shaping Africa’s future”
Speaking at the workshop, the Head of Professional Development and Training Programme at PASGR, Dr Pauline Ngimwa, noted that the main purpose of the Policy-inclined project is to understand the perceptions of the marginalised youths in order to suggest policies and interventions to ameliorate the problems facing them.
Dr Ngimwa added that, “AYPReS project focuses on voices and agency (lived experiences) of all young women and men, including the marginalized groups of People with Disabilities, Refugees and Displaced Persons, unemployed youths, their perspectives of dignified and fulfilling work, resilience drivers, as well as what systems change would look like, build a critical mass of young researchers researching youth employment.”
Earlier in his address, the AYPReS project Principal Investigator in Nigeria, Dr Babatunde Ojebuyi, emphasised the need to get the perspectives of the youth to the issues that affect them before policies are made in that direction.
Dr Ojebuyi, who is a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan, said the project focuses attention on the marginalised groups to help them get their voice heard by the relevant stakeholders.
“This workshop is an inception programme in Nigeria to hear the voices of the youth, especially the marginalised ones. We are targeting persons with disabilities, those in the IDPs and other areas.
“We want to hear their voices in a way that will bring policy change. We can’t describe for them; we need to hear from them. It is to bring about the Nigerian content into it because this programme is going on in ten African countries,” Ojebuyi stated.
Former National Assistant Secretary of People with Disabilities, Mr Yusuf Olatunji, stressed the need for the stakeholders who empower people with disabilities to do beyond giving mobility devices such as wheelchair and crutches by establishing empowering people with disabilities to do more than give them wheelchairs and crutches.
Mr Olatunji charged relevant authorities to give people with disabilities access and participation in matters that affect them so as to achieve the global campaign of inclusion.
Another participant, Mariam Saka, expressed frustration that youth in the informal sector go through in seeking support for their business, calling on the government to pay attention to the youth in the informal sector, who get frustrated by a lack of funding to improve their businesses.
The event, scheduled for 11am at the Youth Centre, Akinwunmi Street, Alagomeji, Yaba, Lagos, will focus on strengthening support for people living with disability and promoting sustainable welfare initiatives for the aged.
The organisers said: ‘’This year’s programme will feature two key discussions: ‘Unity Among People Living with Disability’ and ‘Disability and the Community.’
The foundation, formerly called Centre for Disability Issues, said the annual initiative was part of its commitment to advancing inclusiveness, mobilising resources for the aged and the vulnerable, and promoting community integration.
A statement signed by the convener of the foundation, Comrade Kehinde Oshilaja, called on well-meaning individuals, organisations and government agencies to support the fundraising drive aimed at ensuring a sustainable support system for people living with disability and the elderly.
Speaking at the in Lagos last week, Leader of CODISA Foundation, Prince Olaoluwa Awojoodu, restated the foundation’s commitment to providing a robust support system for People with Disabilities (PWDs).
He noted that it was established 41 years ago as a compassionate outreach under the Chapel of Healing Cross, adding the foundation has become a fully registered non governmental organisation.
Awojoodu said the funds raised will be channelled into education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programmes to better the lot of PWDs. He said at present CODISA supports 42 homes and institutions dedicated to serving persons with disabilities.
“For 40 years, we operated within the confines of a church organisation. A year ago, we legally registered the CODISA Foundation as an NGO, allowing us to extend our reach and impact. Today, we celebrate this milestone while continuing our long-standing mission to support people with disabilities,” Awojoodu said.
He hailed the Lagos State Government for policies that aid inclusion, adding that it was imperative to strengthen implementation, promote awareness and stop stigmatization.
“It is not a crime to have a child with special needs. These individuals deserve education, employment, and opportunities to thrive. Through increased awareness and education, we hope Nigeria will move toward greater inclusion,” he added.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the foundation, Tokunbo Martins, stressed the need for collaborative efforts to achieve the desired results.
“Your presence here reflects our shared
commitment to transforming lives and strengthening our community. CODISA has touched countless lives over the years, fostering progress and creating opportunities for people with disabilities.
“This target is ambitious, but with your support, it is within our grasp.
“Every Naira contributed is an investment in hope, empowerment, and a brighter future. Let’s make our shared vision a reality,” he said.
General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, who represented Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, l said the state government remains committed to making life better for PWDs.
Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency(DSVA) Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi has admonished persons with disabilities (PWDs) to keep themselves abreast of the laws and other regulations on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
She spoke at a 2-Day Advocacy Training for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) held at Amber Residence, GRA, Ikeja
The advocacy training was held with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC) funded by the European Union and Implemented by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA)..
Mrs Vivour-Adeniyi said the sole aim of the training is to create critical awareness and amplify the voices of persons with disabilities, who are often left unheard and underserved in conversations around sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
“We know that persons with disabilities also experience sexual and gender base violence and it is important we take the messages to them in a way they understand, appreciate and take action”
“And the most important skill we are starting up with is the laws. It js important that these people know the law, what to do, where to report too, number to call and medical facilities to run too for help at low cost. Also we aim at strengthening relationships that they can have full confidence to approach and report cases of abuse” she added.
Mrs. Viviour-Adeniyi also stated that the expectations from these training is to increase the number of reports from PWDs
“We are already seeing the numbers. in 2023 we provided services to 11 PWDs, last year 2024, it increased to 25, the numbers of persons and we are expecting more”.
The General Manager Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs, Adenike Onyetunde- Lawal, further explained that the essence of the whole training is to inform, educate and empower PWDs as it concerns sexual and gender based violence.
“Check the number, it happens to be larger number of survivors are PWDs and it is because issues and enlightenment of this nature are rare.”
“I appreciate RoLAC and DSVA for putting this together ensuring PWDs are not left behind and also ensuring that anyone who abuse faces the full wrath of the law and also putting information forward on why persons with or without disabilities should not be abuse at all.”
“Access to justice is the key point from RoLAC and that’s why we are here” she added.
The State Resources and Administrative Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Program International IDEA, Abimbola Ushie, said in her remarks that PWDs need to learn about their rights and what Lagos State can do for them.
“The training is for them to learn about the key provisions of the law, how sexual and gender base violence affects them and agencies responsible for taking care of such cases”
“They say knowledge is power and with this training PWDs can be empowered with the right tools, strategies and the laws they are entitled to too for protection”, she said.
The Ekiti State Government has restated its commitment to providing inclusive education for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
The Special Adviser to the governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Adetoun Agboola spoke in Ikere-Ekiti at a two-training for the teaching staff of three special schools and mainstream schools in the state.
The two-day training was organized by the Adolescent Girls’ Initiative for Learning and Empowerment in collaboration with the Office of the Special Adviser on Special Education and Social Inclusion.
Agboola said that Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been working tirelessly to ensure that the PWDs have unfettered access to quality education despite the daunting challenges they face.
Agboola noted that the government has established a comprehensive framework for special education, including regular training programs for teachers in special, provision of smart classrooms as well as assistive technology to support students with disabilities.
She explained that the state government had integrated students with disabilities into mainstream schools where they could learn alongside their non-disabled peers.
This initiative, she said, was designed to promote social inclusion and break the barriers that have previously prevented PWDs from accessing quality education.
Agboola added that the administration’s efforts in special education have yielded positive results, with over 200 children with severe disabilities being brought out of their homes and integrated into the education system.
The Ekiti State AGILE Coordinator, Mrs Yewande Adesua said that the training was aimed at equipping teachers at both the special and mainstream schools with the cutting-edge skills and knowledge to deliver quality education.
General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, at a two-day training for disabilities clusters, said the program was to equip PWDs with skills to establish their business, foster economic independence and allow them contribute to growth.
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal, represented by Director of Administration and Human Resources, Mrs. Omolade Shonubi, noted that the theme: ‘Promoting Inclusive Business: Enhancing Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Lagos’, was apt. She said it is a way to break stereotypes and elevate businesses run by PWDs.
She said Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to creating policies to ensure inclusion and equal rights for PWDs.
People with disabilities (PWDs) have made an urgent call for action on the government to make sidewalks, bus stops and audible traffic signals more accessible to them, as they highlight the daily challenges they face in navigating road networks around their communities.
The people with disabilities highlighted their daily challenges on road usage to include lack of proper walkways, inaccessible bus stops, and vehicles parked on sidewalks.
They called on the government to implement pedestrian bridge retrofitting, the construction of wheelchair-accessible sidewalks, relocation of roadside traders on pedestrian walkways, and the need for traffic lights with audible signals to assist visually impaired individuals navigate road networks effectively.
The people with disabilities stated their concern during a workshop titled: “Enhancing Road Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities,” organised by Salt House (Africa) in Mosan Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Alimosho, Lagos.
The workshop, which was held under the Salt House (Africa) #RoadsForPeople project, was aimed at promoting road access for vulnerable citizens in Nigeria.
The Executive Director of Salt House, David Owumi, in his address, stated the importance of designing roads and transportation systems that are accessible to everyone, including people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.
“The current state of our roads often excludes people living with disabilities from fully participating in daily life. We must change this narrative and create a more inclusive environment where everyone can thrive,” Owumi said.
The Executive Director said the workshop aimed to highlight the urgent need for road systems that cater to the unique needs of persons with disabilities, ensuring their safety and ease of movement within the community, adding that participants would be trained on the international standards for accessible road design and how these can be adapted to the local context.
He said Salt House would continue its advocacy and partner with both government and private entities to ensure lasting change in the implementation of accessible roads for people with disabilities.
A staff from the Department of Works who represented the Mosan Okunola LCDA, Mr. Oladapo Odumosu, commended Salt House for spearheading the initiative, reaffirming the council’s commitment to prioritising road projects that are inclusive and accessible to all.
“Accessibility should not be a luxury but a necessity for every citizen, regardless of their physical abilities. We will work closely with relevant agencies to ensure the recommendations from this workshop are implemented,” Oladapo stated.
The workshop had in attendance representatives from the LCDA Department of Works, Persons with Disabilities in the community and advocates for disability rights.
The workshop concluded with a resolution to establish a monitoring committee with persons with disabilities that would oversee the implementation of the recommended accessibility improvements.
People Leaving With Disabilities (PWDs) in Jigawa State have pleaded with the governor of the state, Malam Umar Namadi to give them special consideration in the ongoing federal government palliative distribution in the state.
This was contained in a press statement issued, signed and made available to The Nation by the chairman of the Jigawa State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Adamu Shuaibu in Dutse.
Shuaibu decried how people leaving with disabilities were isolated from the screened 1,000 or 1,100 beneficiaries in the 27 local government areas of the state.
The chairman appealed to the state and federal governments by extension to make special provisions in the ongoing palliative distribution for their members, considering their various conditions.
He explained that, “The governor of Jigawa State is trying in the inclusion aspect; however, when it comes to the implementers in so many cases, PWDs are left behind or ignored totally, especially on the issue of palliative distribution”.
The chairman alleged that, “The problem we have with the palliative distribution is that even if Governor Malam Namadi gave directives, those implementing were not following his directives most of the time”.
According to him: “When we observed that our association wrote to the chairman, palliative distribution who is the deputy governor in the state, Engineer Aminu Usman, we requested his intervention for special treatment on our people, and begged for a formula that will give a certain percentage at local government level aimed at having a specific quantity to our members for easy follow up”.
“Despite that, yesterday Friday 17/8, another distribution was launched but to the best of my knowledge, none of our members (PWDs) benefitted in Dutse local government, which happened to be my home local government area. As a journalist who covers the launching ceremony, have you seen any person living with disabilities whether male or female collected?”
Hon. Shuaibu maintained that “I received many calls from our members from almost all the 27 local areas and Dutse in particular where the exercise flagged off asking if we are parts of it. I used to tell them to be patient, we are yet to be contacted.
“We have earlier channeled the complain to Hon Speaker of the state Assembly at the first and he promised to intervene and talk to honourable commissioner for special duties.”
Senior Special Assistant to President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Isa, has urged Civil Society Organisations to engage in advocacy for inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other marginalised groups in the formulation of electoral policies.
He spoke at a CSO Electoral Reform Summit hosted by Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) with funding support of National Endowment for Democracy (NED) yesterday.
The SSA, represented by Lanre Oluyede, said by ensuring their voices are part of the decision-making process, they can create policies that reflect needs of our electorate.
He said the pursuit of a more inclusive just electoral process is and necessary for advancement of democracy.
Isa noted President Bola Tinubu has stressed commitment to the political and electoral inclusion of Nigerians, especially PWDs.
“Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities in electoral process is not merely an act of charity; it is a necessity for a true representative democracy,” he said.
He said unfortunately, PWDs often face barriers that hinder their participation.
The senior special assistant proposed solutions that can enable a more inclusive and effective electoral process as strengthening voter education, advocating implementation of accessible voting infrastructure, promotion of inclusive policy formulation.
Others, he said, are enhancing collaboration among stakeholders as well as monitoring and reporting on electoral processes.
Board member of IFA, Jide Ojo, said CSOs can promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the system.
“Today’s discussions are timely as we face challenges in our electoral process. Issues as voter disenfranchisement, lack of accessibility, and insufficient transparency undermine integrity of our elections. These call for innovative solutions and robust partnerships, which we hope to cultivate through this summit,” he said.
Executive Director, IFA, Grace Jerry, said the summit is to foster collaboration among CSOs engaged in electoral reforms, ensuring their efforts are coordinated and impactful.
