The Chairman, National Association Of Persons With Disabilities, FCT Chapter, Comrade Chris Agbo has called on government to prioritize access to public infrastructure by persons with physical disabilities.
The Chairman made this call during 2023 end of year get together organized by the group.
Chris Agbo while appreciating the government for setting up National Commission For Persons With Disabilities and recently appointment of President Aide On Disability urged the government to ensure the modification of all public buildings owned by government before the expiration of transitory period of Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 by 16th January, 2024.
According to Comrade Chris Agbo who is also the Publisher of The famous disability inclusion magazine, The Qualitative Magazine, if government offices are made accessible, it would be easier to enforce compliance among the private sector.
He hinted the importance of accessible public infrastructure in the lives of persons with disabilities especially those with physical disabilities.
“If the roads, airports, railways and public buildings are made accessible, our members will found it easier to go about their businesses, get employed, exhibit their full potentials and live a fulfilled life”.
He also urged the government to ensure that PWDs are well captured in all the social intervention programmes with consideration of extra costs associated with disability.
He also called on the public and private sectors to do more in the area of employment of persons with disabilities in line with section 28 and 29 Of Nigeria Disability Act which would aid in achieving SDGs.
He also said that the end of year get together is for the members to be together merry, recount their activities in the course of the year and chart a way forward in the coming year.
“We are also used the event to celebrate the International Day for Persons With Disabilities with the theme of the year “United in Action to rescue and achieve SDGs goals for, with and by Persons With Disabilities”.
The event also witnessed information sharing on sexual reproductive health, medical services and there was also sharing of food items to indigent PWDs.
