In a monumental effort to advance the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Edo State, Nigeria, International IDEA, in collaboration with the Edo State Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, orchestrated a series of impactful events on December 3, 2023, to mark the International Day of Persons with Disability.
The day unfolded with a vibrant road walk, uniting various Disabled Persons Organizations, including the Joint Association of Persons with Disability (JoNAPWD) and the Network for the Advancement of Persons With Visible Disabilities (NAPVID). This collective endeavor aimed to raise public awareness of disability issues and fervently advocate for the rights of PWDs, as stipulated in the groundbreaking Edo State Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Prohibition Law.
Highlighting this initiative was a dynamic one-day conference, serving as a pivotal platform for PWDs to passionately advocate for the implementation of the Disability Rights Law, with a specific emphasis on establishing the much-needed Disability Rights Commission. Attendees comprised representatives from Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, alongside influential figures such as the Honorable Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Christabel Omoh Ekwu, and Human Rights Advocate, Prof. Mike Ozekhome SAN.
A crowning moment of the event was the public presentation of gazette copies of the Edo State Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Prohibition Law. Thanks to the support of International IDEA, 2000 copies were meticulously printed, contributing to a wider dissemination of this crucial legislation among stakeholders.
“The change we want to see begins with you and me. We can each work to create a society that values the rights of PWDs and champions inclusiveness across all sectors of society. The Edo State Government is committed to this cause, and with support from our partners at RoLAC and other donor organizations, we will achieve our goal of entrenching inclusiveness of PWDs in all areas of society and government in Edo State,” affirmed Hon. Christabel Omo-Ekwu, the Honorable Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Edo State.
This groundbreaking initiative underscores a commitment to inclusivity and sets a precedent for championing disability rights not only in Edo State but as a beacon for global awareness and change. The collaborative efforts of International IDEA, the Edo State Ministry, and their esteemed partners mark a significant stride towards a more inclusive and equitable future for Persons With Disabilities.
