Lagos, Nigeria – December 3, 2024: As the world celebrates the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has joined the global community in championing the rights, leadership, and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria. With the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” this year’s commemoration underscores the pivotal role PWDs play in fostering a more equitable and sustainable society.
Breaking Barriers to Inclusion
The celebration comes at a time when millions of PWDs across Nigeria continue to face systemic barriers to inclusion. Limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and public infrastructure has created significant challenges for PWDs, further marginalizing this vibrant and capable demographic.
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities is using the occasion to emphasize the urgent need for action, calling on stakeholders at all levels to dismantle the barriers that prevent PWDs from fully participating in national development and exercising their leadership potential.
“PWDs Are Vital Contributors to Progress”
In his address, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, the Acting Director of CCD, highlighted the invaluable contributions of PWDs to the progress of society and the importance of creating enabling environments for their success.
“Persons with Disabilities are leaders, innovators, and vital contributors to the progress of our society,” he said. “It is imperative that we dismantle the barriers that hinder their full participation and amplify their leadership to build an inclusive and sustainable future for all.”
A Call to Action for Governments and Stakeholders
The CCD has outlined a series of recommendations to enhance the inclusion and leadership of PWDs across Nigeria. These include:
- Strengthening Disability-Inclusive Policies: CCD urges the Federal and State Governments to ensure the effective implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 across all states in Nigeria. Enforcing this law is critical to eradicating discrimination and creating opportunities for PWDs.
- Ensuring Accessibility: Public buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms must be designed and retrofitted to accommodate the needs of PWDs. Accessibility is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
- Promoting Inclusive Employment: The CCD calls for the creation of inclusive employment opportunities, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programs to empower PWDs and enable them to contribute to economic growth.
- Expanding Educational Access: Education for children with disabilities must be prioritized. This includes providing assistive technologies, specialized learning materials, and inclusive curricula to ensure no child is left behind.
- Implementing Disability-Inclusive Climate Strategies: With climate change posing significant risks to vulnerable populations, CCD is advocating for disability-inclusive climate adaptation and disaster response strategies to protect PWDs from disproportionate harm.
Amplifying Leadership for a Sustainable Future
This year’s theme aligns with CCD’s mission to amplify the voices and leadership of PWDs in Nigeria. By promoting inclusion in governance, economic activities, and community development, the organization aims to build a future where PWDs can lead and thrive.
Mr. Unumeri reiterated that the inclusion of PWDs is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for sustainable development. “Amplifying the leadership of Persons with Disabilities is essential for achieving an inclusive society where everyone has a role to play in shaping the future,” he emphasized.
CCD’s Commitment to Advocacy
Over the years, the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities has been at the forefront of advocating for the rights and welfare of PWDs in Nigeria. From pushing for legislative reforms to championing grassroots empowerment initiatives, CCD remains unwavering in its mission to create a society where every individual, regardless of ability, has equal opportunities to thrive.
The organization is calling on civil society, corporate organizations, and individuals to support its efforts in creating a more inclusive Nigeria. By working together, CCD believes that a society that values the contributions of PWDs can become a reality.
A Future of Equality and Opportunity
As the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is celebrated worldwide, the CCD is reminding Nigerians that true progress lies in inclusivity. The leadership, talents, and resilience of PWDs must be harnessed to drive national development and build a society that leaves no one behind.
Through continued advocacy and collaborative efforts, CCD envisions a future where PWDs are not only included but lead the charge in creating a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.
For more information on the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities and its initiatives, visit their headquarters in Lagos or contact their office.
