TQM report,

The Nigeria Association of the Blind, Plateau State Chapter with the support of OXFAM VOICE NIGERIA have after five months successfully completed the training of the first batch of ten visually impaired persons in computer application and the use of smart phones.

The ten visually impaired persons are part of the twenty visually impaired persons the programmer is set to trained in ICT by the end of the month of May, 2021.

In an interview with TQM, The instructor/Trainer, Mr. Timjul Samson, who is also a person with visual impairment said that the training of persons with visual impairment on how to operate the Computer and Smartphone is very important, especially, these days that the World have gone digital in almost all aspects of life, and if the visual impairment persons are to be carried along in today’s world, they have to be trained on how to effectively operate and utilize these devices which are common gateway to the digital world.

The Trainer also said, the knowledge gain in this training, would reduced the degree of dependency of the visual impairment persons on other members of the community to get certain things done, such as reading everyday conventional text materials for them.

The visual impaired persons with the skill of operating the computer and smartphone, have been equip to overcome the barrier that limit their access to information materials in the internet.

Mr. Samson also said that the operating of the computer and smartphone by the visual impaired persons is made possible by a software or apps that is called the “Screen Reader.” The screen reader, reads aloud all that is displayed on the screen of either a Computer or a Smartphone, which served as a guide for the visual impaired persons in operating the devices.

Asabe Grace Amaji, a trainee said that as a result of the training, she have been accessing the socially media like WhatsApp, telegram, Facebook and the rest, where she interact freely without any form of assistance in doing so.
Asabe added that she can now type text, format text and print text from a computer all by herself.

Victoria Kaze Adang, another trainee said that she have been accessing the internet for information, either on her Smartphone or the Computer. But, before the training, she have to depend on sighted people to make the research for her.

Emmanuel Musa Izeh, a visual impairment person and also a beneficiary of the training, said that the training have been very rewarding as he can now operate a computer and smartphone which he formally only knew about the theoretical aspect of taught to him in school.

Emmanuel, said that the training he received have increase his self worth.

Barr. Musa Davou said that as a lawyer with visual impairment, he used to relay heavily on his colleagues to draft his opinion, statement, and other processes. But with the training on how to operate computer and smartphone, he no longer does that. He does these things himself. Which have enhance his professional work privacy as a lawyer.

The trainees, took time to express their appreciation to God Almighty and OXFAM VOICE NIGERIA, their instructor/Trainer, The Nigeria Association of the Blind, Plateau State Chapter, The vocational School for the Blind zawan and everyone that made the training to be possible.

On their part, The Chairman and his Deputy, The Nigeria Association of the Blind, Plateau State chapter, Comrade Joshua Yenle and Comrade Ayiba lsa Waziri, both commended the trainees on their good conduct during the period of the training, charging them to continue in that light.

TQM learnt that the second set of another ten trainees are hoping to start their training in the second week of December, 2020. The training which is expected to last for five months. When a join graduation for the two set is expected to hold sometime in the month of May 2021.

Some pictures of the event:

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Real Act of Kindness (RAK) Foundation, has advised employers to create a conducive environment that will encourage people with disabilities to be productive.

The pioneer of the NGO, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, speaking at the weekend at an event to mark the 2020 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organised by the foundation in Apa, Badagry, said employers of labour must take note of that while establishing businesses.

He added that they should create a conducive environment for people with disabilities to operate.

Ogunlende said they should not allow them to be bullied by their able-bodied colleagues.

The General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mr. Dare Dairo, urged persons with disabilities to register with the agency for assistance.

Dairo, represented by Prince Rotimi Adeniyi, a LASODA official, hailed RAK Foundation for initiating the programme.

The Supervisor for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA), Badagry West Local Council Development Area, (LCDA). Mrs. Sesi Ogungbe, who represented the council Chairman, Mr. Joseph Gbenu, praised Ogunlende for his philanthropic gesture in Badagry.

He assured the people with disabilities that his administration would always assist them.

The Executive Director, Ability in Disability Economic Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Jumai Omotosho, appealed to Badagry West LCDA chairman to establish a school for children with disabilities.

She said such school would cushion the pains of trekking long distance and the communication challenges being experienced by persons living with disabilities while going to school in Badagry.

Omotosho thanked RAK Foundation “for this rare support,” adding: “This is just the beginning of the organisation’s relationship with the foundation.”

The theme of 2020 International Day of Persons with Disabilities is titled: “Building Back Better: Toward a Disability Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World”.

TQM report,

A group known as Gbazango Parliament which is a social club based in Abuja on Saturday 5 December, 2020 embarked on a reach out to an orphanage/ autism centre in Kubwa, Abuja by the name Jesus Kids orphanage and autism centre. This orphanage home where children with intellectual disabilities such cerebral palsy, autism and orphans are taken care of is being managed by Mrs. Nifemi Adams.

The group presented different items, cartoons of noodles, drugs, insecticides, detergents, drinks, and many others including a cash donation.

The Public Relation Officer of The group, Agbo Christian Obiora while speaking at the verge of handing over the items and the cash to the manager of the centre, said that the club decided to come and visit the children out of the fact that they know that as God is blessing them, there are people out there who need help and should be offer a help.

Speaking further, he said that the token they brought is to thank God for keeping them till the end of the year.

He acknowledged the effort of the manager of the centre for keeping the centre going in spite of all the economic challenges.

He concluded by assuring Mrs. Nifemi that as God will continue to bless the members of the club. We will continue to come and show love and compassion to the children.

The President of The Association, Stanley Nwokocha presented the cash donation to Nifemi and asked her to accept the small token the members presented but as long as there is life and God continue to provide.

Members of the club after seeing the children began to praise God for their lives because they saw that some of the children requires perpetual support all through their lives and one who can move around freely is still complaining that God is not doing enough.

Some pictures of the visit

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is annually observed on 3 December to promote full and equal participation of Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of society and development.

The Sokoto State government under the office of Honorable Special Adviser to the governor on Disability and Special Needs, Abdul Azeez Ibrahim celebrated World Disability Day.

In his address, the SA, who was Chairperson of the event said Sokoto State Government under His Excellency, Rt. Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, is focusing on supporting PWDs to access mainstream opportunities that meet their goals and aspirations.

“We will keep supporting people with special needs to built on their skills set while undertaking activities which align with their passions and interests.

“People with special needs in the State are happy for the support they are getting from the State government under the leadership of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal” he added.

At the event in which all disability clusters participated, tricycles were presented to persons who needed them in all 23 local governments. There was palpable excitement among the beneficiaries at the brand new tricycles.

Remarking on the celebrations, representative of the Sultanate Council and district head of Gagi said the appointment of Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim as SA on Disability and Special Needs is most commendable.

According to him, “Ibrahim has a golden heart. It gladdens my heart to see how happy these people with special needs are with the State government. What’s more, we are pretty sure that his leadership will continue to yield positive results”.

In his remarks, the comptroller said the initiative was possible through the help of Honorable Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim. He also promised that and very soon, more support will come.

By Comrade Abdulazeez Asadullah Ahmed [a Mass Communicator and a Student of Special Education] on the 3/12/2020

It is indeed a moment of joy for us, the members of the Disability community as we celebrate this year’s International day of persons with disabilities. The essence of this day cannot be over emphasise as it, according to the United Nations, aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Let me, as a way of taking our mind back to history, inform you, ladies and gentlemen, that the international struggle to alleviate the plight of persons with disabilities did not just start today. It began in 1976 when the United Nations in their general assembly resolved that 1981 should be marked as the International year of persons with disabilities.

This was subsequently followed by the United Nations International Decade of Persons with Disabilities which was marked between 1983 and 1992 to allow government and other organizations enough time to implement measures aimed at alleviating the plight of persons with disabilities. On October 14, 1992, as this decade drew to a close, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Persons with disabilities. This day was first observed on December 3, 1992. At our level here however, today makes the third time we are commemorating this day. But the second we are having it marked ceremoniously as we had our first edition in 2018.

The theme for this year’s celebration which is “Building back better; toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world” was necessitated by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which has affected virtually all sectors of the human society, from the underdeveloped to the more advanced, leaving no country behind. These past few months have been, unarguably, one of the most difficult moments of human history with many lives lost, mode of living distorted and increased poverty level all over the world among others. This period has also exposed the weaknesses of most governmental institutions all-over the world, particularly in the developing countries like Nigeria and in all of this, you all will agree with me that the vulnerable members of the society, the category of which persons with disabilities are included are the worst hit.

It is sad to state however that even before the outbreak of COVID-19, the condition of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and especially here in Kogi-Central has not been any much better, particularly in the areas of inclusion and accessibility. This sad reality faced by persons with disabilities within our district is what led us into coming together to form the Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association (KCPWDA) in late 2017.

This association which comprises of members from all clusters of disability, cut across the entire five local governments of the Kogi-Central senatorial district and the core objective which has been serving as our guiding principle is to create awareness towards ensuring a society that is inclusive and accessible to all and devoid of discrimination, stigmatization as well as every form of stereotyping.

Although, since the formation of this association, we cannot claim to have recorded much success owing to the fact that there were no foundations to build upon, but, we can stillbeat our chest proudly, having recorded some achievements despite the many odds that have been against us. As part of our efforts to enlighten the community about issues relating to disabilities, the association immediately began by seeking for means through which we can communicate and pass information to the people and we soon found luck with the three radio stations domiciled in our locality. Through the free air time given to us by these stations, we have been able to reach out to our people with different programs and the result so far has been impressive. Also, through our effort as one united body, we have been able to reach out to and attract the interest of well-meaning individuals and organizations, the result of which was evident in the reception of two tricycles which was gifted to us by Alhaji AtabaMuhammadSaniOmonori, the donation of food items by the same royal blood during the last Ramadan, the recent distribution of mobility aids and some basic household materials to some members of the association by Hayat foundation, just as we are expectant of such good gestures from Ozomata foundation, to mention but few. Equally worthy of mention, is the effort of the Kogi-central Persons with Disability Association (KCPDA) in collaboration with the Kogi State Persons with Disability Association (KSPDA) and with the support of Access Nigeria, an NGO under the Inclusive Friends Association towards ensuring an inclusive electoral system.

This joint effort saw to it that persons with disabilities in Kogi Central did not just participate in the voting process alone but also that some of them served as electoral observers for the very first time in our history, giving them a sense of belonging. Furthermore, as a means of empowering our members economically, this association in collaboration with AMOA Fish Venture, started with the training of 25 of our members across the five local government areas on fish farming. The beneficiaries of this training will be issued their certificate of participation before the end of this program and we are hoping that they find help with capital to start up their business.

Despite these achievements and some others which time may not permit me to mention, this association is however, sadly faced with a myriad of challenges. Notable among these challenges include our inability to reach out to all the individuals with disabilities within our district and get them into our fold. Even though, like I mentioned earlier, series of awareness programs have been ongoing for some time now, many of them still seem to be in the dark and some of them who may be in the know are still feeling too reluctant or even scared of facing the world with their disability as a result of the prevalence of societal discrimination and stigmatization. Those who fall into these categories are mostly the aged ones, some of whom usually result to street begging as a means of survival and some younger ones of school age, some of whom are usually held back by their family members out of fear and ignorance. Also, we recently got a report that some persons with disabilities are involved in the sales and use of hard drugs, using their disability as a means of cover against law enforcement agents. As a result of this, some members of the society erroneously consider all persons with disabilities as the same and this tend to further aggravate the already existing discrimination and wrongful judgment of persons with disabilities.

The problem of inclusiveness and accessibility is one age long battle which we were hoping that the signing of the discrimination against persons with disability prohibition act by both the federal and Kogi state governments will help put to rest but it seems we still have a long way to go as we are still practically begging to be carried along both politically and economically even though the part five; section 28 and 29 of the earlier stated act has clearly made provisions for us in that regard. Let me equally mention the issues of security threats facing some of our members, particularly those with kyphosis which is also known as hunch back as seen in the case involving one of our members, Mal. Zubair who was adopted on the 23rd of November at the front of his house in Ihima community and till now, nothing has been heard or seen of him.
It is our believe that God, the almighty, who created man, in his wisdom, made some disabled and others more able so that they may be the support system of those with disabilities.

Indeed, every human society has gotten their own fair share of people with disabilities and kogi Central senatorial district is, of course, not an exception. Sadly, however, those who are ordinarily meant to be the support system of these persons with disabilities either seem oblivious to their responsibilities or deliberately choose to neglect them or might just be making some little efforts which are not really been felt by persons with disabilities.

Over the years, persons with disability here in Ebira land except, of course, for some very few privileged ones among them, have been subjected to the worst conditions that one can ever think of. The education of children living with disabilities has not been given due consideration just as those who are interested in acquiring skills have no one to support them in acquiring those skills. Even those who managed to acquire education among these persons with disabilities are not being employed just as those with skills as well as businesses suffer low patronage. Coupled with the general harsh economic realities facing our societies, some of these persons with disabilities still have to cope with outrageous medical bills periodically as their conditions require continuous management to prevent it from deteriorating. Did I forget to mention the discrimination, stigmatization, stereotyping as well as rejection that most of us are being made to face in the society day in day out?

The lack of adequate political representation over the years has also further worsen our plights as the leadership of persons with disabilities in all the successive administrations since 2003 has been headed by the Easterners who usually Direct most of the available opportunities to the disabled members from their region. The government at the grassroots is also not helping matters and all our efforts to make our grievances known overtime have not been fruitful.

It is important to know that disability is never a crime and as such, persons with disabilities shouldn’t be left to wallow in misery. As a matter of fact, some of these persons with disabilities are only a victim of the wrongful actions or inactions of others. It is equally important to know that most, if not all of these persons with disabilities have their own unique abilities and lots of potentials which are only waiting to be tapped into. Among us are intellectuals, great minds and creative thinkers who have all it takes to proffer solutions to some of the main problem facing our societies if only they are given the right grooming and environment to thrive.

It is on this note that we appeal to every conscientious mind that is present here today to help us in reaching out to well-meaning individuals as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations to help in alleviating our plights by considering and attending to what I termed as our ten point requests which are as follows:

• Investing in the education of persons with disabilities in Ebiraland by establishing special schools or modifying some of the existing schools in Ebiraland to accommodate persons with disabilities.
• Establishing skill acquisition centers at strategic locations here in Ebiraland as well as supporting those with skills already to grow.
• Providing equal employment opportunities for all the educated persons with disabilities as with their non-disabled counterparts.
• Considering persons with disabilities in all the empowerment programs usually implemented or carried out by our political leaders as well as other well meaning individuals and organisations. This can be done by allocating certain percentage to members of the kogi central persons with disabilities association for onward distribution to their members.
• Considering persons with disabilities for political appointments at state, senatorial, federal/state constituency as well as local government levels.
• Establishing a rehabilitation centre to cater for those who became disabled at an advanced stage of their lives.
• Establishing welfare centers for aged men and women with disabilities.
• providing scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities as well as children of persons with disabilities.
• Providing a health insurance scheme to cover for the medication of persons with disabilities whose condition requires a continuous medical management to prevent deterioration.
• Creating platforms where are political as well as leaders of thought sit and discuss with members of the disabled community on a periodic basis in order to feel their pulse and ascertain their areas of needs.

Our distinguish guests, members of the disabled community, let me at this point, express our profound gratitude to our mother, barista Amina Oyiza Bello, the first lady of our dear state for being a role model in ensuring a better life for persons with disabilities in Kogi state and in Ebira land particularly. Her efforts towards ensuring the passage and subsequent signing of the Kogi state discrimination against persons with disability prohibition act as well as the series of empowerment programs embarked upon by her Hayat Foundation of which some of us benefited greatly is highly appreciated and we pray that the almighty will continue to keep her safe and sound and as well continue to give her the spirit and will power to keep up with her good work.

I cannot forget to say a very big thank you to our royal prince, the ciroma of ebira land, Alhaji Ataba MuhammadSani Omonori who have recognized us the way no one else has. We pray that the almighty will continue to bless and enrich him with his heart desires. Let me equally say a very big thank you to Engr Edward Jatto, the CEO of Jatto FM and one of our patrons. This highly respected man did not only provide us with the radio platform for our enlightenment programs but he has also been highly supportive, always there to listen, always ready to spend and always ready to act, all to ensure that we achieve success in all that we do.

I will equally like to appreciate our mothers, in persons of Pastor, Dr Halimat Saliu [the big mama] who happens to be the very first person to give us a voice in Ebiraland, Hajiya Hafsat AbdulSalam who has equally been highly supportive, Alhaji M.I Japa, our father as well as adai Aduvusu and of course the management of Tao Fm as well as that of radio kogi, Otite for their support.

I cannot equally forget to extend my appreciation to Alhaji Haruna Salihu, Hon. Tijani Damusa, Hon. Joseph Asuku, among others for all they have been doing both openly and secretly towards alleviating the plight of persons with disabilities.

To those who I couldn’t mention and indeed to all of you present here today, our friends, our family members, our religious, traditional and community leaders as well as all the professional bodies represented here, we value and appreciate you all.

It is time we say no to stigmatization, discrimination and stereotyping. It is time we say no to Street begging and help in turning persons with disabilities from being a liability to becoming an asset. It is time you look beyond our disabilities and support us in bringing out the many evident abilities lying beneath our disability.

That we are disabled doesn’t make us less human, Les ebiras, Les kogite or less Nigerian. Be one of those who will help in positively changing the narratives of persons with disabilities here in Ebiraland. Support us to grow and let’s together build a world where the love for God and humanity rules.

Thank you all for coming to help make today memorable as I pray that disability will never come your way and the ways of your loved ones. God bless you as we look forward to that world of utopia that we all envisage.
ThanksKogi Central People With Disabilities Association (KCPWDA), OUR JOURNEY SO FAR.
By Comrade Abdulazeez Asadullah Ahmed [a Mass Communicator and a Student of Special Education] on the 3/12/2020

It is indeed a moment of joy for us, the members of the disabled community as we celebrate this year’s International day of persons with disabilities. The essence of this day cannot be over emphasise as it, according to the United Nations, aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Let me, as a way of taking our mind back to history, inform you, ladies and gentlemen, that the international struggle to alleviate the plight of persons with disabilities did not just start today. It began in 1976 when the United Nations in their general assembly resolved that 1981 should be marked as the International year of persons with disabilities.

This was subsequently followed by the United Nations International Decade of Persons with Disabilities which was marked between 1983 and 1992 to allow government and other organizations enough time to implement measures aimed at alleviating the plight of persons with disabilities. On October 14, 1992, as this decade drew to a close, the UN General Assembly proclaimed December 3 as the International Day of Disabled Persons. This day was first observed on December 3, 1992. At our level here however, today makes the third time we are commemorating this day. But the second we are having it marked ceremoniously as we had our first edition in 2018.

The theme for this year’s celebration which is “Building back better; toward a disability-inclusive, accessible and sustainable post COVID-19 world” was necessitated by the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic which has affected virtually all sectors of the human society, from the underdeveloped to the more advanced, leaving no country behind. These past few months have been, unarguably, one of the most difficult moments of human history with many lives lost, mode of living distorted and increased poverty level all over the world among others. This period has also exposed the weaknesses of most governmental institutions all-over the world, particularly in the developing countries like Nigeria and in all of this, you all will agree with me that the vulnerable members of the society, the category of which persons with disabilities are included are the worst hit.

It is sad to state however that even before the outbreak of COVID-19, the condition of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and especially here in Kogi-Central has not been any much better, particularly in the areas of inclusion and accessibility. This sad reality faced by persons with disabilities within our district is what led us into coming together to form the Kogi Central Persons with Disabilities Association (KCPDA) in late 2017.

This association which comprises of members from all clusters of disability, cut across the entire five local governments of the Kogi-Central senatorial district and the core objective which has been serving as our guiding principle is to create awareness towards ensuring a society that is inclusive and accessible to all and devoid of discrimination, stigmatization as well as every form of stereotyping.
Although, since the formation of this association, we cannot claim to have recorded much success owing to the fact that there were no foundations to build upon, but, we can stillbeat our chest proudly, having recorded some achievements despite the many odds that have been against us. As part of our efforts to enlighten the community about issues relating to disabilities, the association immediately began by seeking for means through which we can communicate and pass information to the people and we soon found luck with the three radio stations domiciled in our locality. Through the free air time given to us by these stations, we have been able to reach out to our people with different programs and the result so far has been impressive. Also, through our effort as one united body, we have been able to reach out to and attract the interest of well-meaning individuals and organizations, the result of which was evident in the reception of two tricycles which was gifted to us by Alhaji AtabaMuhammadSaniOmonori, the donation of food items by the same royal blood during the last Ramadan, the recent distribution of mobility aids and some basic household materials to some members of the association by Hayat foundation, just as we are expectant of such good gestures from Ozomata foundation, to mention but few. Equally worthy of mention, is the effort of the Kogi-central Persons with Disability Association (KCPDA) in collaboration with the Kogi State Persons with Disability Association (KSPDA) and with the support of Access Nigeria, an NGO under the Inclusive Friends Association towards ensuring an inclusive electoral system.

This joint effort saw to it that persons with disabilities in Kogi Central did not just participate in the voting process alone but also that some of them served as electoral observers for the very first time in our history, giving them a sense of belonging. Furthermore, as a means of empowering our members economically, this association in collaboration with AMOA Fish Venture, started with the training of 25 of our members across the five local government areas on fish farming. The beneficiaries of this training will be issued their certificate of participation before the end of this program and we are hoping that they find help with capital to start up their business.

Despite these achievements and some others which time may not permit me to mention, this association is however, sadly faced with a myriad of challenges. Notable among these challenges include our inability to reach out to all the individuals with disabilities within our district and get them into our fold. Even though, like I mentioned earlier, series of awareness programs have been ongoing for some time now, many of them still seem to be in the dark and some of them who may be in the know are still feeling too reluctant or even scared of facing the world with their disability as a result of the prevalence of societal discrimination and stigmatization. Those who fall into these categories are mostly the aged ones, some of whom usually result to street begging as a means of survival and some younger ones of school age, some of whom are usually held back by their family members out of fear and ignorance. Also, we recently got a report that some persons with disabilities are involved in the sales and use of hard drugs, using their disability as a means of cover against law enforcement agents. As a result of this, some members of the society erroneously consider all persons with disabilities as the same and this tend to further aggravate the already existing discrimination and wrongful judgment of persons with disabilities.

The problem of inclusiveness and accessibility is one age long battle which we were hoping that the signing of the discrimination against persons with disability prohibition act by both the federal and Kogi state governments will help put to rest but it seems we still have a long way to go as we are still practically begging to be carried along both politically and economically even though the part five; section 28 and 29 of the earlier stated act has clearly made provisions for us in that regard. Let me equally mention the issues of security threats facing some of our members, particularly those with kyphosis which is also known as hunch back as seen in the case involving one of our members, Mal. Zubair who was adopted on the 23rd of November at the front of his house in Ihima community and till now, nothing has been heard or seen of him.
It is our believe that God, the almighty, who created man, in his wisdom, made some disabled and others more able so that they may be the support system of those with disabilities.

Indeed, every human society has gotten their own fair share of people with disabilities and kogi Central senatorial district is, of course, not an exception. Sadly, however, those who are ordinarily meant to be the support system of these persons with disabilities either seem oblivious to their responsibilities or deliberately choose to neglect them or might just be making some little efforts which are not really been felt by persons with disabilities.

Over the years, persons with disability here in Ebira land except, of course, for some very few privileged ones among them, have been subjected to the worst conditions that one can ever think of. The education of children living with disabilities has not been given due consideration just as those who are interested in acquiring skills have no one to support them in acquiring those skills. Even those who managed to acquire education among these persons with disabilities are not being employed just as those with skills as well as businesses suffer low patronage. Coupled with the general harsh economic realities facing our societies, some of these persons with disabilities still have to cope with outrageous medical bills periodically as their conditions require continuous management to prevent it from deteriorating. Did I forget to mention the discrimination, stigmatization, stereotyping as well as rejection that most of us are being made to face in the society day in day out?

The lack of adequate political representation over the years has also further worsen our plights as the leadership of persons with disabilities in all the successive administrations since 2003 has been headed by the Easterners who usually Direct most of the available opportunities to the disabled members from their region. The government at the grassroots is also not helping matters and all our efforts to make our grievances known overtime have not been fruitful.

It is important to know that disability is never a crime and as such, persons with disabilities shouldn’t be left to wallow in misery. As a matter of fact, some of these persons with disabilities are only a victim of the wrongful actions or inactions of others. It is equally important to know that most, if not all of these persons with disabilities have their own unique abilities and lots of potentials which are only waiting to be tapped into. Among us are intellectuals, great minds and creative thinkers who have all it takes to proffer solutions to some of the main problem facing our societies if only they are given the right grooming and environment to thrive.

It is on this note that we appeal to every conscientious mind that is present here today to help us in reaching out to well-meaning individuals as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations to help in alleviating our plights by considering and attending to what I termed as our ten point requests which are as follows:

• Investing in the education of persons with disabilities in Ebiraland by establishing special schools or modifying some of the existing schools in Ebiraland to accommodate persons with disabilities.
• Establishing skill acquisition centers at strategic locations here in Ebiraland as well as supporting those with skills already to grow.
• Providing equal employment opportunities for all the educated persons with disabilities as with their non-disabled counterparts.
• Considering persons with disabilities in all the empowerment programs usually implemented or carried out by our political leaders as well as other well meaning individuals and organisations. This can be done by allocating certain percentage to members of the kogi central persons with disabilities association for onward distribution to their members.
• Considering persons with disabilities for political appointments at state, senatorial, federal/state constituency as well as local government levels.
• Establishing a rehabilitation centre to cater for those who became disabled at an advanced stage of their lives.
• Establishing welfare centers for aged men and women with disabilities.
• providing scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities as well as children of persons with disabilities.
• Providing a health insurance scheme to cover for the medication of persons with disabilities whose condition requires a continuous medical management to prevent deterioration.
• Creating platforms where are political as well as leaders of thought sit and discuss with members of the disabled community on a periodic basis in order to feel their pulse and ascertain their areas of needs.

Our distinguish guests, members of the disabled community, let me at this point, express our profound gratitude to our mother, barista Amina Oyiza Bello, the first lady of our dear state for being a role model in ensuring a better life for persons with disabilities in Kogi state and in Ebira land particularly. Her efforts towards ensuring the passage and subsequent signing of the Kogi state discrimination against persons with disability prohibition act as well as the series of empowerment programs embarked upon by her Hayat Foundation of which some of us benefited greatly is highly appreciated and we pray that the almighty will continue to keep her safe and sound and as well continue to give her the spirit and will power to keep up with her good work.

I cannot forget to say a very big thank you to our royal prince, the ciroma of ebira land, Alhaji Ataba MuhammadSani Omonori who have recognized us the way no one else has. We pray that the almighty will continue to bless and enrich him with his heart desires. Let me equally say a very big thank you to Engr Edward Jatto, the CEO of Jatto FM and one of our patrons. This highly respected man did not only provide us with the radio platform for our enlightenment programs but he has also been highly supportive, always there to listen, always ready to spend and always ready to act, all to ensure that we achieve success in all that we do.

I will equally like to appreciate our mothers, in persons of Pastor, Dr Halimat Saliu [the big mama] who happens to be the very first person to give us a voice in Ebiraland, Hajiya Hafsat AbdulSalam who has equally been highly supportive, Alhaji M.I Japa, our father as well as adai Aduvusu and of course the management of Tao Fm as well as that of radio kogi, Otite for their support.

I cannot equally forget to extend my appreciation to Alhaji Haruna Salihu, Hon. Tijani Damusa, Hon. Joseph Asuku, among others for all they have been doing both openly and secretly towards alleviating the plight of persons with disabilities.

To those who I couldn’t mention and indeed to all of you present here today, our friends, our family members, our religious, traditional and community leaders as well as all the professional bodies represented here, we value and appreciate you all.

It is time we say no to stigmatization, discrimination and stereotyping. It is time we say no to Street begging and help in turning persons with disabilities from being a liability to becoming an asset. It is time you look beyond our disabilities and support us in bringing out the many evident abilities lying beneath our disability.

That we are disabled doesn’t make us less human, Les ebiras, Les kogite or less Nigerian. Be one of those who will help in positively changing the narratives of persons with disabilities here in Ebiraland. Support us to grow and let’s together build a world where the love for God and humanity rules.

Thank you all for coming to help make today memorable as I pray that disability will never come your way and the ways of your loved ones. God bless you as we look forward to that world of utopia that we all envisage.
Thanks

By Chris Agbo,

Inclusive Friends Assooiation(IFA) have marked International Day of persons with Disabilities in style at Silverbird Gallery Abuja on Tuesday when they brought together leaders of disability community to watch a movie called Crip Camp. A documentary on how Americans with disabilities fought for American Disability Act(ADA).

The event was supported by Save the Children was part of the “Include me” project which geared towards advocating the inclusion of Persons with disabilities in Social Protection Programmes.

The Founder and Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Assooiation (IFA) in her opening speech, appreciates the relentless commitments of PWDs towards driving and leading initiatives that promote the inclusion of Nigerians with disabilities in various spaces; social inclusion, sexual and reproductive health rights, gender and the electoral process.

“Our socio economic journey has been riddled with so many challenges especially for citizens with disabilities who have to fight twice as hard to get by their businesses due to the numerous accessibility challenges we face in our various communities; these are not restricted to attitudinal, physical or environmental, but also institutional barriers in our quest to be fully included in the socio economic rights of our communities” she said.

Speaking further, she said that this year’s theme “Building back better: towards an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world by, for and with persons with disabilities” recognizes that disability is a human right, as such all sectors of the Nigerian society must take deliberate steps towards closing the gap of exclusion and marginalization that exist against persons with disabilities. It also points to the fragile conditions of our health sectors especially its inaccessibility to persons with disabilities and COVID 19 pandemic also showed us how persons with disabilities had to fight twice as hard to get access to information and communication materials on how to keep safe, access to personal protective equipment and even harder to access palliatives to support their livelihood when various lockdown measures were imposed in various states of the federation.

“In building a post COVID 19 that is accessible, inclusive and sustainable, government, business and the Nigerian citizens must be intentional about social protection programs, investment and our attitude towards disability and persons with disabilities. Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilties, which Nigeria is a signatory to emphasizes adequate standard of living and social protection and States Parties like Nigeria should recognize this and try to commit towards meeting this very important article.

She also stated that Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 makes very vast provisions that are pro social protection for persons with disabilities, especially free education, healthcare and at least 5% employment opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities across different ministries, departments and agencies of government. These are few among the many provisions of the law, which we specially appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for passing the Act into Law, and the Establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

For an accessible, inclusive and sustainable post COVID 19 world, Nigeria must invest in pro social protection programmes. The National Assembly must expediently conduct oversights functions in the 12 ministries and agencies to implement the employment quota provisions for qualified PWDs to be employed, direct oversight on the ministry of information to create awareness regarding the rights, respect, dignity and contributions of PWDs to the Nigerian society, Perform oversight on appropriate agencies to ensure that new buildings have accessibility facilities in line with the building codes, Perform oversights on the ministry of aviation to ensure that all airliners working in Nigeria have lift trucks and isle chairs to enable persons on wheelchairs enter the aircraft without undergoing very derogatory practice of being carried in inappropriate manner, ensures that all public schools whether primary, secondary or tertiary shall be made inclusive and accessible to all PWDs and to make braille, sign language and other means of communication for PWDs part of our educational curriculum, and provide clear budget provisions for the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to enable the Commission carryout its functions of supporting the government implement initiatives that foster access and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

And the ministry of humanitarian affairs, disaster management and social development should also fast track and coordinate the inclusion of persons with disabilities into the National Social Investment Program (NSIP) and other social protection programs with the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO) should open its register to include persons with disabilities and households with persons with disabilities, as they constitute the most vulnerable.

“Business owners should also make efforts to make their businesses accessible for persons with disabilities to increase their customer pool”.

“Most importantly, Nigerians should understand that persons with disabilities are humans first before their disabilities, and so they must be treated with respect and dignity just like any other citizens”.

“As we forge into the next year, taking steps towards achieving an accessible, inclusive and sustainable post COVID 19 world must be guided by clear implementation by the government for the full inclusion of the Disability Act, and the review of the current social protection programmes to fully include citizens with disabilities. That way, we are not only reducing shocks of households, but also reducing dependency ration and supporting productivity of the Nigerians with Disabilities” she concluded.

The event witnessed a panel discussion that featured seasoned disability rights activists such as Jake Epelle ( Founder and CEO of The Albino Foundation) and Florence Marcus( Founder of Amputee Coalition). A session that was facilitated by Jesse John, a program officer of IFA looked into COVID-19 pandemic and it’s effect on PWDs and how Post- COVID-19 programmes should target PWDs and how PWDs can be deliberately included in Social Protection Programmes and other disability issues including how unity in disability Community can enhance synergy and development in disability Community.

The highlight of the event was the showing of the movie “Crip Camp” which got the participants sober, motivated, captivated and after the movie, many of them shared what they learnt from the movie. The major lessons were unity towards achieving PWDs common goal, resilient in approach to things by PWDs, determination to achieve success, taking challenge of discrimination against you instead for agonizing, clusters matters less, what matters more is understanding their different needs and form it as common needs and pursue it.

By Loveth Obiora, TQM reporter,

Deaf Women Aloud Initiative (DWAI) on Tuesday in Abuja put together a programme to mark the international day for persons with disabilities with their theme: Improving access to health services and information.

The Executive Director, DWAI, Mrs Hellen Beyioku-Alase in her opening speech at the event said that the event was made possible through the support and the grant her organization got from Disability Rights Fund(DRF). She also said that the occasion is all about an important day set aside to promote understanding of disability issues and mobilizing support for dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities (PWDs). It is also a day to seek to increase awareness of gains derived from integration of PWDs in every aspect of political, social and cultural life.

Speaking further, she said that this year’s theme “Building Back Towards a Disability Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable COVID-19 World. The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected PWDs in any kind of disability, for example lack of information accessible to all, no information on braille and sign language format.

DWAI believe the future of Deaf women and PWDs is at risk by the prevalent inaccessibility to most health, educational, socio-economic and political facilities and services.

DWAI is committed to promoting the well-being of PWDs in all spheres of societal development as well as increasing society’s awareness level of the situation of Deaf/women with disabilities in the area of accessible health care and information.

“The future of children and young PWDs risks being adversely affected by the ongoing crisis in education and by school closures. This is because the most vulnerable are often at the highest risk of experience a disruption of their education and of suffering from the distancing measures in effect. Moreover, distance learning methods have not been developed with their specific in mind, she added.

She called on International communities, government, NGOs, to key into their project and ensure full participation of PWDs and with sign language noting that ” Nothing about Us without Us).

They lauded the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and Ministry of Women Affairs for the establishment of the National Disability commission and appointment of members of the board and also the appointment of the Special Advisers on Disability to the President and the ministers.

“Despite the giant strides, a lot still needs to be done to sensitize the society about the disability Inclusive, access and the content of Discrimination against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 yield the best outcome” she added.

DRF, Program Officer in Nigeria, Mr. Theophilus Odaudu in his goodwill message, reaffirmed his organization commitment towards supporting Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and DWAI was fortunate to be among the 13 grantees that DRF is supporting and DWAI got the grant out of the wonderful commitment that they have shown towards improving access to health services of Deaf women and girls in the FCT. He thanked DWAI for putting the occasion together to commemorate the international day for persons with disabillities describing the day as an opportunity for us to review the disability Inclusion and draw the attention of the key stakeholders to the key issues affecting PWDs.

The Assistant Director, (Policy) Health and Human Services, FCTA, Mrs Azeez Bukola, in her goodwill message explained that Inclusive society is achieved when there is continuous engagement and improved communication with health care workers on disability rights, respect for all human rights, and rule of law.

“When everyone, irrespective of background, disability or culture participate in civic, social, economic, and political activities and have universal access to public infrastructure and facilities, that’s Inclusion.”

The founder, Possibilities Initiative, Miss Avershim Akighir in her goodwill message acknowledged the effort of DWAI in promoting the rights of deaf women and the rights of persons with disabillities in general. She offered her organization willingness to work with DWAI to improve the lot of women with disabillities in Nigeria. She informed about a training Programme being planned by her organization targeting women and girls with disabillities.

There were also goodwill messages from Otugo Margret, Women Health and Equal rights Initiative, Splendor Onuma from Splendid Dreams, Comrade Bumni Lawal, Mrs Naomi Oboji from Marie stopes International and many others.

There was drama presentation by deaf women showcasing their difficulties in accessing healthcare services.

The event brought together over a hundred of PWDs of different clusters.