Abuja, Nigeria – In a landmark event held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) unveiled a Simplified Version of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. The Act has been translated into sign language and audio formats in Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo languages, aiming to make the legislation more accessible to all Nigerians.
A Significant Gathering of Dignitaries
The event, held at the NCPWD Office in Abuja, was graced by a host of dignitaries including Hon. Lanre Okunola, representing the Chairman of the House Committee on Disabilities; Lanre Ololeye, Chief Press Secretary to the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, representing the SSA; Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa; Mr. Pius Sunday Ogbu, Head of Programmes and Operations, TLMN, representing the National Director, Dr. Sunday Udo; Chris Agbo, Executive Director of The Qualitative Magazine; Directors of NCPWD; and members of the media.
Commitment to Inclusion
Speaking on behalf of Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, Lanre Ololeye highlighted the administration’s dedication to promoting inclusion. “Today further demonstrates the passion, dedication, and commitment of this administration to support every initiative and intervention that promotes the inclusion and participation of Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs,” Ololeye said. He emphasized President Tinubu’s belief that no one should be left behind, regardless of their abilities.
“The launch is a crucial step in enhancing awareness and understanding of this landmark legislation within our rural communities,” Ololeye continued. “I extend my deepest gratitude to TLMN for its unwavering commitment and tireless efforts toward making this vision a reality.”
Transformative Initiative
The initiative to translate the Disability Act into local languages and produce audio formats for the visually impaired and sign language versions for the deaf community was praised as both commendable and transformative. “This initiative challenges stereotypes and breaks down societal barriers that have long excluded people with disabilities from achieving their full potential,” Ololeye remarked.
Empowering Stakeholders
Dr. James Lalu, in unveiling the new versions, commended TLMN and The Qualitative Magazine’s CEO, Chris Agbo, for their efforts. He noted the importance of enabling stakeholders within the disability community to understand the law’s provisions to defend their rights. “I am a beneficiary of this law in sign language: producing this version into sign language is one of the important steps toward bringing the content of the law to the deaf community,” Lalu said. He stressed that understanding one’s rights is essential for demanding them and appreciated President Tinubu’s support for the NCPWD’s mandate.
Commitment to No One Left Behind
Dr. Sunday Udo, represented by Mr. Pius Sunday, reiterated TLMN’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity. “This unveiling is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian, regardless of his or her abilities, has access to justice, equality, and dignity,” he said. By translating the law into local languages, the mission is making it accessible to all Nigerians, challenging stereotypes, and breaking down barriers.
Advocacy for Rights and Accessibility
Chris Agbo, the consultant and CEO of The Qualitative Magazine, who played a crucial role in driving the process, emphasized the goal of making the law accessible to enable PWDs to seek their rights. “I want to believe that the NCPWD will take it upon itself to spread and distribute these versions. I also call on the National Orientation Agency to play its role here,” Agbo said, urging the media to create awareness for PWDs to ensure their inclusion in national affairs.
A Call for Compliance and Equity
Hon. Dr. Ayinla Bashiru Dawodu, represented by Hon. Lanre Okunola, praised the initiative as a noble effort that provides indigenous people with the opportunity to understand the Act. He called on MDAs to comply with the provisions of the Act to create a more equitable society. “This initiative provides an opportunity for indigenous people to understand the Act and know the dos and don’ts within it,” Dawodu stated.
A Milestone for Disability Rights
The event marks a significant milestone in the journey toward full inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of making legal frameworks accessible to all and reinforces the commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of PWDs. The collaborative efforts between TLMN, NCPWD, and other stakeholders are a testament to the ongoing drive towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.
