There was another excellent SoLife at NTAchannel9 Television program on 30th of January 2021.
The Guest was Mrs Afolayan Oyebimpe, Women Leader Kwara State Deaf Women Association and the topic they discussed was “How to stop abuse of women with disability in marriage”.
During the discussion, she affirmed that women with disabilities are also entitled to happy marriage because marriage is divine and they are God’s creature , therefore they are not less human, despite their disability ,all the senses are working very fine. Women with disabilities are beautiful ,hard working, kind hearted and most especially very good in bed. But because of disability, people look down on them and many remain unmarried and suffering in silence
She said that some that married women with disabilities think they were doing them favor by marrying them but that is not true,it’s not a favor ,it’s their right to get married and have a say in the marriage and not to be enslaved.
uses her own case as an example, that women with disability are caring, she said for the past 18years her mother inlaw is staying in their home and she is taking good care of her, she is also a farmer,civil servant and train herself to become excellent in her field.
She advocated for people to stop stigmatizing women with disabilities when it comes to marriage,no matter the disability ,a woman with disability can be a good wife
Afolayan appealed to families, in-laws and friends that normally discourage people that are interested in marrying women with disabilities to stop such attitude so far they are in love.
The most painful thing, she expressed her displeasure on men that deceive women with disabilities that they will marry them but after impregnating them they will run away and not care for them
She frown at various maltreatment of women and girls with disabilities such as turning them into punching bag, insulting them, discriminating against them, deceiving them, not caring for them, looking down on them and many more, all these should stop.
She encouraged women with disabilities not to sell themselves cheap to men, they should insist on legal marriage before going into sex, she said they should not be in too much haste and fall into wrong hands but they should brace up and present themselves well.
She laid emphasis on men to stop deceit, she narrated an incident where man without disability marry deaf but because the wife can’t hear,he will bring girl friend to the house and be discussing and deceive the wife because she can’t hear. She said fear of God is very important.
The presenter Joy Bolarin of Empower Project TV Program added her own voice narrating the story of a beautiful lady that develop spinal cord injury because of accident ,due to the disability no husband to marry her, the members of the community should note that disability can happen to anyone.
There are several calls from the viewers during the program ,some encourage people with disability not to look down on themselves because appearance has a lot to do with how one will be addressed, another caller encourage women with disabilities to be of good characters and not picking quarel with people in their environment, she said they should be friendly and of good characters because it will help them to get responsible man that will be ready to marry them.
All hands must be on deck to make life better for women and girls with disability and stop violence against them
Osun court frees father, son who allegedly locked up girl over disabilitiesBy Ekene Agbor, Osogbo
Opeyemi Olatoke
A man, Prophet Samson Olatoke and his son, Elijah Olatoke who were arrested recently for allegedly locking up a 20-year-old girl living with disabilities have been discharged and acquitted by a Family Court in Osogbo,Osun state. The girl, Opeyemi Olatoke was said to have been confined alone in an unkempt house by her parents for five years. The girl was rescued by the combined efforts of the State Ministry of Women, Children & Social Affairs, an NGO in the state, Value Female Network (VFN) and the Police on January 23, 2021 at Alfa Fire’s area in Obaagun Street, Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State. Consequently, Samson and his son, Elijah were arrested by the Police while the disabled girl, said to be the suspects’ last daughter, was taken to the hospital for treatment after being evacuated from the family house.The duo suspects were arraigned before a Family Court in Osogbo for allegedly neglecting the girl.The presiding Magistrate, Mrs Oyebiyi blamed he parents and siblings for their actions saying that everyone should know that being handicapped does not mean that one won’t be useful in the society.After blaming Opeyemi’s parents and siblings, the Magistrate and two assessors in the family court sent a social worker, Mrs Lola – Wey and NTA crew to visit the hospital where Opeyemi was and interrogate her.They brought report to the court on Wednesday that Opeyemi, denied being locked up for five years. According to the report brought to court, the girl claimed she was only isolated in the ancient house for fee months.The report further revealed that the girl said her elder brother, Elijah used to bring food for her daily and that her confinrment only lasted for few months when her mother traveled to Lagos to baby-sit last year.At the end of all deliberations in the family court, Samson and Elijah were discharged and acquitted and ordered to accept Opeyemi under their roof and take care of her.The court also asked that the Ministry of Women Affairs, the NGOs involved, and others present in court to contribute to the care and welfare of Opeyemi Olatoke.The court said the first thing Opeyemi needs is a good wheelchair to aid her mobility.
Federal Government through the Hon. Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development on Friday commenced the disbursement of Cash Grant for rural women in Lagos.
This was disclosed through a twit at the ministry official twitter handle on Friday evening, the twit reads:
Flag off of Federal Government Cash Grant for Rural Women in Lagos today at Police College, Ikeja. HM @Sadiya_farouq was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Bashir Nura Alkali. @drhamzatfemi the Deputy Governor of Lagos State represented the Governor.
TQM learnt that each beneficiary will receive cash grant of N 20, 000 and women with disabilities are among the beneficiaries.
On January 21st, 2021, Baywood Foundationin partnership with The Coca-Cola Foundation officially launched the Youth ICT and Skills Acquisition Project (YISAP) in Enugu state.
The YISAP Opening Ceremony had in attendance key stakeholders in the private and public sector, including representatives of the Enugu State Government, The Coca-Cola Foundation, the National Youth Council, The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities JONAPWDS amongst others.
The Launch of the YISAP Project will remain unforgettable in the hearts of Ndi Enugu who will benefit from the YISAP Project. The event paves way for the implementation of the various project activities targeted at achieving the goal of empowering 600 direct project beneficiaries with the entrepreneurship and vocational skills that will cause improved livelihood, boost their income, making them employers of labor as well as employable. The project will be implemented in Udi, Igboeze-North, and Enugu East LGAs selected across the three senatorial zones of Enugu State.
Presenting his welcome address, The Country Director of Baywood Foundation, Barr. Ojielo Chukwudi thanked The Coca-Cola Foundation for the grant award to implement the YISAP Project. He stated that the project will go a long way to support the young people with skills such as ICT, Photography, Photo, and Video Editing, Agro-businesses skills, Barbing, Digital Marketing, Graphics Design, Confectionaries, Making of Household essentials, and other homemade consumables, fascinator, hats, and another small scale enterprise. He also stressed that the YISAP Project will also provide seed funds to 100 persons to start-up their business, provide mentorship and support on business branding and packaging, business registration as well as empower beneficiaries with skills in business and financial management.
In a goodwill message by the representative of The Coca-Cola Foundation, Mr. Ademola Yusuf, The Coca-Cola Foundation is funding the YISAP project in fulfillment of its Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) and a way to provide means of livelihood and support entrepreneurship. As an organization, the Coca-Cola foundation believes the future of Nigeria belongs to the youths which she has shown commitment in other projects like Youth Empower which was implemented in 2017, and more recently the Youth ICT & Skills Acquisition Product (YISAP) implemented by Baywood Foundation (BF). According to him, TheCoca-Cola System which comprises Coca-cola and the Nigerian Bottling Company has been consistent in its support for youth development across the globe.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of UdiLGA, Hon Ifeanyi Agu said his Local Government has worked tirelessly to prepare itself for such youth empowerment. He said that the Local Government is grateful to the Baywood Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation for selecting Udi for the implementation of the YISAP.
He pledged that the Local Government will work to ensure there is an enabling environment for the smooth activity take-off.
The event was graced by different dignitaries which include; Udi Local Government Chairman, Hon. Paschal Ifeanyi Agu; Commissioner Culture and Tourism, Enugu State, Hon. Ugonna Ibe; The chairman Udi Traditional Rulers Council, HRH IgwePaul Ogbodo; The Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Enugu State Chapter, Barr. Gab- Chikwe Nnamani; Director Institution of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies, Prof Felix Asogwa; Representatives from The Coca-cola Foundation, The Commercial Manager Nigerian Bottling company Ltd Enugu, Demola Yusuf, representing The public Affairs and Communications Director, Ekuma Eze; OmonriawoWilson, Udo Uche; Board Members of Baywood Foundation, the Bishop (Rtd) Awgu/Aninri Diocese, Rt. Rev Dr. Emma Ugwu, The Bishop of Oji River His Grace Arch Bishop A.A Madu.
The ceremony which started with an opening prayer by Rt Rev. Dr. Emma Ugwu, also witnessed the cutting of the cake to officially launch the YISAP Project.
Baywood Foundation (BF) is a non-governmental organization, which was founded in 2009 but incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) in 2014. The Foundation was established to support populations and communities at negative edges of household income, unemployment, healthcare access, illiteracy, marginalization, and exclusion. Baywood Foundation aims to complement government efforts through its projects in order to provide systemic solutions to the aforementioned challenges. Our goal is to have communities and at-risk populations that become self-sustaining beyond project timelines. Our strategy relies on strong partnerships with donor organizations, multilateral and international institutions.
Some of the recommendations dropped by the lawmakers include provisions to enhance the participation of women and people with disabilities in the election processes and also regulate campaign finances.
Nigerian lawmakers, currently working on the draft of a new electoral bill to guide the management of future elections in the nation have dropped key recommendations that would enhance future elections.
The lawmakers are currently brainstorming at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja to design a new template for the proposed electoral act.
The new law, when passed, will repeal the Electoral Act No. 6, 2010 and enact the Electoral Act 2021, to regulate the conduct of elections at the Federal, State levels and Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory.
Crippling extractions
However, sources with insight on the new draft worry that the review panel has already built in crippling clauses and eliminated key proposals that would have strengthened the democratic credentials of the new law.
PREMIUM TIMES understands that the National Assembly Joint Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Electoral Matters, at its review stage, threw out recommendations to encourage the participation of women and people with disabilities in election processes as well as “prudent language in the bill to constrain the excessive influence of money in future elections”.
For instance, in an attempt to guarantee the accessibility of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) to the polling unit, civil society organisations had proposed a mandatory clause that would compel INEC to provide access for people with disabilities during elections with the ‘strong verb’ of ‘shall’ in in Section 56 (2) of the Electoral Act, 2020 which the review committee has now been watered down to ‘may’.
“This attempt to mandate INEC to make adequate provision for persons with disability in the voting process was thrown out,” a source familiar with the workings of the review committee told PREMIUM TIMES.
The source said once the bill is passed, “it means PWDs will only be attended to at the mercy of the INEC officials rather than the law”.
Women, youth participation
With an eye to also mandate parties to include provision that could enable women, youths and people with disability to sponsor in an election, an additional subsection to Section 31(1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 was proposed “but thrown out by the review team”, sources added.
Considering the widespread impunity in the spending culture of politicians during elections, provisions to bridge the gaps in laws guiding parties’ campaign finance were also proposed but ignored by the committee.
For instance, a recommendation to limit the amount a party can generate from sales form and campaign funding was also thrown out, PREMIUM TIMES learnt from sources.
There was exclusion of many recommendations aggregated, mostly from memos received from many sectors of the nation’s life and particularly from civic groups.
Source said the current bill which would have enriched the country’s democratic process represent, as one commentator put it, “a lost opportunity missing priorities from Nigerian populace”.
PREMIUM TIMES had reportedin March 2020, how INEC had said it was proposing about 34 amendments to the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill that will include punishments for electoral violators.
The Commission also said the bill will make provisions for the security of lives and property during elections.
The INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, said this in Lagos at a retreat on the review of the electoral legal framework.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in Lagos State on Thursday urged all applicants with disabilities for the National Identification Number (NIN) to remain calm and shun unruly behaviours at NIMC offices.
Mr Olumide Aremu, NIMC Lagos West Coordinator, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following the protest by People with Disability (PWDs) at NIMC office on Tuesday.
Recall that some aggrieved PWDs NIN applicants staged a protest at the Ikeja office of NIMC on Tuesday over alleged neglect and delay in their enrollment.
Aremu, who said that although NIMC gave priority to PWDs, nursing mothers and elderly people in enrollment, it should not be seen as a licence to be rude and disorderly whenever they arrive at NIMC offices.
“It is in our policy to give priority to PWDs, but because of COVID-19, there are some standards we need to implement.
“So, it is not every persons with disabilities that we will need to move in at the same time because of the COVID-19 protocol.
“On Tuesday, when they came, they were trying to move in so that they could do the capturing.
“All of them wanted to come in at the same time, not even minding people who were being attended to.
“What the Minister said was that we should be doing a booking system because of COVID-19.
“But they were not booked at all; because they were persons with disabilities, we allowed them in. When they got in, one of them was so unruly.
“They wanted to come in straight and get into the system and be captured.
Some of them did not want to listen to anything, to the extent that some of them were begging our staff members not to be annoyed,” Aremu said.
According to him, because of COVID-19 and the surge, the NIMC does not allow people to flood the work stations.
The NIMC boss said: “They should just be calm. We are taking our time to attend to them. Not that they will come here and be unruly and fomenting trouble. We will attend to them.
“We know we must give them a priority, yet they must be calm and patient. Despite the fact that they were not booked, we still give them a priority. Once we see them outside, we call them.
“Those who came were not booked yet were being unruly. They should be calm, not that they will get to our office and be fomenting trouble, and want to force their way into the system directly.”
He said there were processes to undergo before getting captured because, “We give priority to PWDs, nursing mothers and elderly people.” —
Kande Malong is thirty- eight (38) years old woman with blindness from a family of fifty- eight (58) children and the only one with disability. Her father married ten wives. She became blind as result of measles before she was one. She is from Kwalla in Qua’an-Pan local government of Plateau state.
In a chat with our correspondents Bulus Bala Izang and Joshua Yenle, she spoke about how she was denied education because of disability and her means of earning a living.
TQM. Can you let us into your educational records?
I was not able to have formal education like other children, but later in life, l attended a Vocational training, at Government Vocational Training Center for the Blind, Zawan in Jos south local government.
TQM. Why were you not able to attend school like other children?
I think its due to my parents ignorance.
TQM. Were your other siblings sent to school?
Yes. All my brothers and sisters were send to school with the exception of me.
TQM. What about discrimination in your family and the society as a result of your disability?
Aside denying me education, l am not being discriminated upon at home but outside home, there is one or two occasion of discrimination.
TQM. How do your respond in such a situation?
I see it mostly as ignorance so l try to educate them on the danger of doing so.
TQM. Have you consider engaging the services of Institutions like Plateau State Disability Rights Commission?
No. I just iron things out with the people who discriminate against me.
TQM. What about your marital status?
I once got married to a man with blindness, we were even blessed with a male child, who later died. We separated, because our family members did not agree to the two of us being blind to marry, saying who would take care of us?
TQM. What are you doing to earn a living?
For now, l am not doing anything. I wanted to do knitting and weaving of chairs and baskets, which l know how to do, but l lack capital to start.
TQM. Have you not applied for loan or grant any where?
I have, but l was not given.
TQM. Who is providing food and other things to you?
My parents, whom l am staying with.
TQM. Finally, what is your appeal to the government and other members of the society, in terms of helping you?
My appeal is that l should be assisted with employment or be given some capital to start some business. This would make me not to continue depending on my aged parents. I should be the one helping them now, not them still providing for me. I really need help.
Ladi Cosmost is a right hand amputee from a family of nine children, she is married with five children, She is from Kwalla in Qua’an-Pan local government of Plateau state.
In a chat with our correspondents, Bulus Izang and Joshua Yenle, she spoke about her amputation, family and what she is doing for a living.
TQM. How did you come about the amputation?
I grew up without disability. While in my husband’s house, l went to operate a grinding machine so that l can prepare meal, in the process, the belt of the machine went off, in an attempt to put it back my hand went into the wheel, and that was it, l was with my first pregnancy then.
After some years, my husband started maltreating me because of the one hand, even though, l was still going to the farm and doing my household activities well.
He continued with the abusive behavior and even married a second wife, after some years, l move out to my brother’s house, l was having five children at the time. I stayed in my brother’s house for seven years, before my husband came, seeking for reconciliation, he got a separate house for me and my children.
TQM. Does your husband provides food for you and the children?
He sometimes does, but I regularly do go to my brother for assistance.
TQM. Are your children in school, if yes who is paying for their education?
Two different women in our community, took two of my daughters to stay with them, because of our lack, my first daughter got pregnant, she is now with the man, the remaining two are with me. They are schooling and l am the one paying for their education, but they sometimes stay at home because there is no school fees.
TQM. What are you doing to earn a living?
I do fry akara, l also keep pigs and dogs, which l sometimes sell to get money to do little farming.
TQM. Have you ever received assistance from the government to increase your business?
No.
TQM. As a person with disability, do people discriminate against you?
Yes.
TQM. There are government establishments, that protect people with disabilities against discrimination. Do you know about them?
No.
TQM. What would be your personal request to the government and other members of the society?
They should help me with money to increase my business, so that I would live a better life and even pay my children’s school fees.
TQM. Thank you Madam, we wish you the best of luck.
By Jimoh Babatunde The Lagos State Agro-Processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support (APPEALS) project has revealed that the Covid- pandemic did not affect the delivery of its mandate to farmers in targeting export and nutrition-sensitive technology last year, though it slowed down activities.
APPEALS is a World Bank, Federal Government and Lagos State tripartite partnership for small-scale farmers to access grants in form of inputs in three value chains (rice, poultry and aquaculture). Mrs Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo, the State Project Coordinator, SPC, while appraising the projects’ activities in 2020 added that the project will establish 1,465 businesses for women, youths, among others in 2021.
“Currently, we have 10, 000 direct beneficiaries; 60,000 indirect beneficiaries; identified and verified 9,942 farmers across the three value chains (rice, poultry and aquaculture).
“One thousand seven hundred (1,700) of green hands farmers; 3,601 farmers in aquaculture, 2,866 in poultry and 1,689 for rice value chains, while 8,156 existing farmers has been verified.
“Fifteen demonstrations were carried out in 2020 bringing the total to 23 from inception till date representing over a 100 per cent achievement from the project’s target of 17 per state,” Sagoe-Oviebo said.
She highlighted that the projects had received 71 no objections from the World Bank, saying: “ 71 numbers were received under the matching grants valued at N912.98 million with IDA cost of N746.86 million, under rice out-growers scheme presently ongoing.
“Activities under the project collaboration with research institutes and other project implementations were greatly affected by the crisis of COVID-19 and the unrest of ENDSARS.
“However, the project had maintained a good relationship with Africa rice under the outsiders’ scheme as well as certification in conjunction with rice seeds council during the period.”
The coordinator also said that other challenges faced ranges from delay in getting CAC certificates for beneficiaries under WYEP; rehabilitation of farm access roads was backloaded, among others, hoping that 2021 would be better.
Sagoe-Oviebo, however, thanked Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu for increasing the People with Disabilities (PWDs) from five per cent (project’s original slot for PWDs beneficiaries) to 10 percent to be supported directly from the counterpart funds.
She explained that the project had put in place mechanisms to monitor beneficiaries’ activities as well as a Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), among others, for the smooth operations of the project’s target.
On this year’s APPEALS activities, Sagoe-Oviebo said “The project will be giving physical support to about three thousand small and medium scale farmers directly and over 12, 000 indirectly through our infrastructure support, jobs creation, trainings, among others.
“Step down the technologies demonstrated; 13.16 kilometres farm access roads rehabilitation will commence this year to enhance linkage to markets. The 1,465 businesses for the WYEP and the PWDSN will be established and their livelihoods improved through physical improved assets supports.
“Desilting of canals in five locations across the state will be delivered to reduce fish losses owing to flooding that will lead to productivity enhancement in the sector.
“Also, 20 solar-powered kiosks will be supported, energy interventions in two locations will be done as well as 10 cottage processing industry, aggregation centres, and income-generating assets will be done,” Sagoe-Oviebo said. Vanguard News Nigeria
Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC) in collaboration with National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) on Tuesday in Abuja organized a Stakeholders’ Meeting on Access to Transportation for Persons with Disabilities.
The event is part of the Data 360 project of DRAC supported by Ford Foundation, it is a 3-year project to support Research and Technology Adoption to address disability inclusive policymaking in Nigeria
The Executive Director of DRAC, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu in her opening speech said that access to transport has always been an issue for persons with disabilities but in recent times, it has become a more pressing issue going by the experiences of some persons with disabilities at the airport whereby airlines discriminate against PWDs which has been all over the news recently.
It is in view of this that DRAC deemed it critical to bring critical stakeholders together to enlighten them on the rights of Persons with Disabilities to access all services including transportation services.
She affirmed that DRAC as an organization is committed to ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected and the promotion of disability inclusion. It is time to beam the spotlight on the transportation sector especially with the enactment of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 which clearly states that no person should be denied transport services on the basis of disability. So it is time to liaise with stakeholders in the transportation sector to begin to operationalize that section of the act.
She appreciated President Muhammadu Buhari for establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities because it is edging PWDs closer to their right and DRAC is excited collaborating with the Commission in this event designed to remove barriers hindering PWDs from accessing transport services.
She urged participants to listen carefully and also make contribution so that at the end of the meeting, there would be clear-cut recommendations towards addressing the issue.
Watch ED, DRAC Opening Speech:
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James Lalu in his address said that the meeting is geared towards brainstorming to see how to solve the pressing needs of PWDs in Nigeria. “Access to Transportation is very important because it is a challenge PWDs face on daily basis”
He shared his experience with Federal Road Safety Officers and their negative attitude towards which suggests that persons with disabilities should not drive. He emphasized that PWDs have right to drive as well as indulge in any other activities provided it is within their jurisdiction.
The challenges PWDs face at the Airport, Seaport, Railway and other means of transportation requires urgent intervention of all the relevant MDAs and this is the right time to proffer solution because it is very important to the lives of PWDs in Nigeria. He stated that this is the beginning of the engagement because the engagement will continue to ensure that the Nigeria disability act is fully implemented.
“It is he that wears the shoe knows where it pinches; we will find a way to continue to work with you in order to continue to solve the problem”.
Speaking further, he said that the Commission will be engaging all the heads of the Ministries and organizations especially the Federal Ministry of Transport to review all the policies together in order to eliminate the discrimination against PWDs in Nigeria.
Watch ES Speech:
The Honorable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (HADM&SD) who was ably represented by Mr. Sunday Ezekiel said that the Minister is very passionate about Disability issues and that’s why she was instrumental in ensuring that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities was established and she is working and supporting to ensure that the commission succeeds. He spoke on the need for awareness creation on the Act saying that it is still not known by Nigerians which is going to be one of the challenges the Act will encounter. He gave the Minister’s firm support for the removal of not just transportation barriers but indeed all barriers facing persons with disabilities across board.
Mr. Theophilus Odaudu, the Program Officer of Disability Rights Fund (DRF) in his goodwill message said that the challenges and the discrimination of Persons with Disabilities are facing in accessing transportation is enormous and it has been long overdue. It requires a lot of advocacy so he commended DRAC and NCPWD for the initiative and Ford Foundation for supporting the initiative. He urged Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) to take advantage of the DRF call for proposals coming up in March to address the issue of access to transportation in Nigeria.
The Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA), Grace Jerry in her goodwill message said that issue of discrimination against PWDs in access to transportation services especially by airline operators has been reoccurring incidents and it is high time, it is addressed head on. She advised that the recommendations that will arise from the meeting be Implemented.
Mohammed Haruna Tsafe, The Vice President of Nigerian National Association of The Deaf (NNAD) standing in for the President in his goodwill message recalled recent incidences between wheelchair users and airline operators. He appreciated DRAC and NCPWD and said that the event is a step in the right direction because the issue requires urgent attention and it should be addressed.
There were goodwill messages from other MDAs and organizations.
The meeting also witnessed an educative and incisive presentation by the ED, DRAC titled: Access to Transportation: Barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities. She took stakeholders through the right to transportation for PWDs, what the UNCRPD said about it, though it doesn’t have a specific article but it was mentioned in Article 9. UNCRPD acknowledges the centrality of transportation for PWDs to access a range of services including homes, schools, healthcare facilities, workplace and leisure.
It is attitudinal, environmental and institutional barriers that hinder PWDs from accessing transportation at equal basis with others. She used illustrations to explain those barriers that PWDs have to contend with whatever they are accessing public infrastructures not just transportation alone. She spoke about the air travel experiences of PWDs and highlighted the attendant challenges such as No Priority Boarding (PWDs are forgotten at the queues and they would be carried which is embarrassing when other passengers have boarded.), Taking away of wheelchair at the check-in, Poor handling of wheelchair which cause damage on the electric wheelchairs which is very expensive and there is no compensation, loss of wheelchairs or its components, manual handing (Lifting PWDs to the aircraft like bag of sack and No aisle or bad aisle. She also spoke about the Rail Experiences for PWDs such as No functional lifts, no ramps, no wheelchair accessible train coach, inaccessible railway platform and no accessible toilets in the trains.
She pointed out some of the effect of these challenges to PWDs, such as fear of traveling which can lead to loss of opportunities, Pitiful and pathetic portrayal of PWDs, Panic attacks leading to poor mental health, poor handling when a PWD is being carried into a plane or train, it can aggravate his or her Disability condition, it can lead to low self-esteem after being carried into an aircraft, the fear of humiliation in flying or railing can expose a PWD to discomfort from road travel and accident due to bad road, it can lead to SRHR issues which can result into infection, overstress on the bladder when the toilet is inaccessible and poor menstrual management because of inaccessible toilets, and it leads to financial trauma due to replacement or repair of lost or damaged mobility aids.
She recommended the following: a) Adapt relevant policies, guidelines and frameworks for accessible transportation. b) Review policies, business class seats, mobility aids up to the door, free travel for aids etc. c) Use of telescopic passageways (Boarding Bridge), d) Use of Ambulifts, e) Diverse training of transport sector on Disability f) Inclusion and handling of mobility aid and on PSEAH, g) Grievance redress mechanism are also extremely important, h) Designate Disability Centres at all airports, railway stations, bus station etc.and i) Always put Disability into consideration when designing new COVID-19 strategies for transport sector.
Ag. Director Enforcement/ Compliance of NCPWD, Barr. Ikem Uchegbunam presented an overview of legal frameworks protecting the rights of persons with disabilities where he took the Stakeholders through the sections of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
The meeting also featured experience sharing of persons with disabilities in access to transportation and some MDAs and organizations reacted to the issues raised by PWDs.
The meeting also featured group work and presentation on Improving access to transportation for PWDs: Strategies and Immediate Actions, here the PWDs, law enforcement agencies/organizations and MDAs came up with unique strategies to address challenges associated to access to transportation for persons with disabilities.
Ag. Director Social Integration, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Lawrence Idemudia coordinated a process of formulating a committee of the Stakeholders of one representative from each MDAs and OPDs to serve as a team that will ensure the implementation of the recommendations.
The meeting was attended by Leaders of the Disability Community, MDAs responsible for transportation, organizations working in transport sector and the media.
