In a bid to amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and address their challenges, the Federal Government has called on critical stakeholders to intensify efforts in protecting and upholding the rights of PWDs across the country. This call was made during a roadshow organized by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
The Director of Social Security and Cooperative Development at the Ministry, Franca Adiekweh, led the advocacy walk, describing it as a significant initiative aimed at raising awareness about the rights and challenges of persons with disabilities. The event served as a platform to emphasize the need for collective responsibility in ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for PWDs in Nigerian society.
Adiekweh highlighted the roadshow as part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry to advocate for disability rights and encourage societal inclusion. She stressed the importance of recognizing the dignity, rights, and abilities of PWDs, while also urging Nigerians to work together to eliminate barriers that hinder their full participation in all aspects of life.
“This roadshow is our way of amplifying the voices of Persons with Disabilities and bringing their issues to the forefront of national discourse,” Adiekweh stated. “The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a yearly global event instituted by the United Nations, observed every December 3. It is a day dedicated to acknowledging the plight of PWDs, defending their rights, and ensuring they are not left behind in the society.”
She further called on governments at all levels, institutions, and civil society organizations to take proactive measures to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, ensuring they enjoy equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“Persons with Disabilities have rights like every other citizen, and those rights must be protected. The essence of this day is to remind everyone that these individuals are valuable members of our society who deserve dignity, respect, and opportunities,” Adiekweh added.
The roadshow, which witnessed participation from government officials, disability advocates, and other stakeholders, served as both a symbolic and practical effort to raise awareness and mobilize action towards achieving greater inclusivity. Participants marched through key streets, holding placards and banners with powerful messages promoting the rights and inclusion of PWDs.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Ayuba Burki Gufwa, commended the Ministry of Labour and Employment for spearheading the awareness event. Gufwa described the IDPD as a crucial day for reflection, stocktaking, and renewed commitment to advancing the rights of PWDs globally.
“This day is not just about celebration; it is about taking a hard look at where we are as a community and how far we have come,” Gufwa said. “While we acknowledge that we are not yet where we want to be, we must celebrate the progress we have made. The disability community in Nigeria has seen significant advancements in recent years, and initiatives like today’s roadshow are proof of that progress.”
Gufwa also challenged other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to follow the example set by the Ministry of Labour and Employment by actively engaging in awareness creation and implementing policies that benefit persons with disabilities.
“Awareness creation is not the responsibility of one ministry alone. We need all MDAs, civil society organizations, and the private sector to step up and play their part in building an inclusive Nigeria. It is through collaboration and collective effort that we can break down the barriers facing persons with disabilities,” he stated.
The event resonated deeply with participants and observers alike, drawing attention to the fact that despite ongoing advocacy, persons with disabilities still face significant challenges, including discrimination, lack of access to infrastructure, and limited opportunities for education and employment.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the roadshow underscored the urgency of creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities are not marginalized but are celebrated as vital contributors to national development.
Experts in the disability community have long emphasized that awareness creation remains a powerful tool in driving change. By bringing the conversation to public spaces, initiatives like the roadshow inspire action and encourage policymakers, institutions, and individuals to take steps toward creating a more inclusive society.
The 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities serves as a timely reminder that while progress has been made, much remains to be done. With stakeholders like the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities taking the lead, the hope remains that the voices of PWDs will continue to grow louder, inspiring real and lasting change.
As Gufwa aptly concluded, “Today is about progress, hope, and determination. We are not just marking a day; we are building a future where no one is left behind.”
