The Association of Persons with Disabilities (APWD) on Wednesday decried the high level of negligence being experienced by the disability community in Badagry.
Mr Peter Sejoro, the Chairman, APWD Badagry Chapter, expressed this displeasure at a ceremony to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Badagry.
The theme of the event was: “United In Action to Rescue and Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for, With and By Persons With Disabilities”.
According to the chairman, the level of negligence faced by disability community in Badagry is “too high”.
“They face various challenges that hinder their full and equal participation in every societal activities.
“These have limited access to public buildings, limited access to education and empowerment opportunities, inadequate education and employment opportunities, social exclusion, and insufficient healthcare services.
“These are just few of so many challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Badagry on a daily basis,” he said.
Sejoro called on the government at all levels and the private sectors to do more for people with disabilities in Badagry.
He commended some public and private outfits for their support, but called on government at all levels and private sectors to do more for persons with disabilities in Badagry.
“We are using this opportunity to call on the Chaiman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Olusegun Onilude, to implement the Local Government Disability Policy Framework launched by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities.
“This is by establishing a disability desk for persons with disabilities in the council to effectively address their needs in Badagry.
“He should also appoint a Senior Special Assistant and Special Assistant to the council chairman, on disabilities matters.
“By establishing a disability desk, you are giving priority to the welfare and needs of Persons with Disabilities in Badagry,” he said.
Mrs Funmi Ogunro, the Founder, Friends of the Deaf Foundation, urged Nigerians to always assist the special people.
Ogunro said her foundation had trained over 3,000 persons with disabilities in a school she established in the memory of her late sister who died while studying in the University of Ilorin.
In her remarks, Prof Bilikisu Latiaji-Okunneye, the Vice-Chancellor, Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin, said the institution had established the Department of Adult and Special Education to take care of Persons With Disabilities.
NAN
