We wish all our partners, clients, persons with disabilities, NGOs and individuals working with persons with disabilities and You (our readers) Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Special Thanks to the following Individuals and Organizations:

1. Sister Fidela Unigwe of Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul
2. Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu of Disability Rights Advocacy Centre (DRAC)
3. David Obinna Anyaele of Centre for Citizens with Disabilities
4. Lois Auta of Cedar Seeds Foundation
5. Grace Jerry of Inclusive Friends Association
6. Dr. Israel Balogun of CBM
7. Razak Adekoya of Sightsavers
8. Misbau Lawal Didi of Parasoccer Federation of Nigeria
9. Federal Road Safety Commission
10. Nigerian Communication Commission
11. AJ’s Lounge, Kubwa-Abuja
12. White is White Kubwa-Abuja
13. Obinna Dede Ekujereonye of National Association of the Blind (FCT)
14. Deaf Women Aloud Initiative
15. Hellen Beyioku-Alase of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (FCT) and Deaf Women Aloud Initiative(DWAI)
16. Omotunde Ellen Thompson of Centre for Advocacy of Persons with disabilities (CAPWD)
17. Biby Yinkere of Engraced Ones
18. Mrs. Joy Ngozi Belolisa of SAFEHOST ACADEMY
19. Mrs. Nkechi Onwukwe of Rehabilitation Department, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development
20. Youth Alive Initiative
21. Barrister Catherine Edeh
22. Tim Tinat
23. Damian Ivom
24. Jake Epelle of Albino Foundation
25. Bank of Industry
26. The Entire over 30millions Nigerians with Disabilities

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde appointed a person with disability in each of the 33 local governments and all local council development areas (LCDA) in Oyo state as Supervisory Councillors.

The move is an affirmative action meant to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in politics, and enhance their self-esteem in Oyo state. “Gov. Makinde, no doubt, remains the most inclusive governor in Nigeria’s history. He is keenly committed to the task of changing the negative narrative that has shrouded issues about disability in Nigeria” Oyo State Disability Vanguard said in a statement on Tuesday, 17th December. “Disability empowerment according to Gov. Makinde entails taking deliberate actions to right the wrongs of several years of disability dis-empowerment in Nigeria.”

The governor’s executive assistant on Disability matters, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, is working assiduously to ensure that no person with disability is left behind in Oyo state in the government’s resolve to empower the disabled. “People with disabilities in Oyo state should strive to work together as one big family in order to help the government succeed in its task of liberating the disability community”. it added. Meanwhile, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi yesterday called on His Excellency, Gov. Seyi Makinde, to wish him a happy birthday. Barr. Adekanmbi, in a statement yesterday, prayed for long life, good health and divine guidance for Gov. Makinde, whose birthday, as providence would have it, coincides with the celebration of Christ’s birth – Christmas. Bar. Adekanmbi reiterated that Gov. Makinde has so far demonstrated his commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities in the socio-economic and political spheres of Oyo state through strategic guidance provided by him, the Executive Assistant on Disability Matters, Barr. Adekanmbi” “Only recently, about 68 people with disabilities will be appointed as Supervisory Counselors in all the LGA/LCDAs of Oyo state. This initiative, no doubt, will provide the necessary impetus to promote the participation of disabled people in politics. This is but one of the several strategies the present administration in Oyo state has put in place to promote disability inclusion”.(inclusivenews)

by Rilwan Adetayo Balogun

A physically challenged man, Ayodele Ishola beat other top influencers to emerge winner of the prestigious People’s Choice Awards at the Lagos State Public Relations and Gala Awards.

The 2019 edition of LaPRIGA was held at the Grand Ballroom, Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Thursday, December 19, 2019.

LaPRIGA is the prestigious red bow-tie event that recognizes excellence and celebrates public relations practitioners and stakeholders which has evolved to become the communications industry Oscars.

According to the Chairman Lagos Chapter of  the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Mr. Segun Mcmedal,  “LaPRIGA was instituted to celebrate excellence and professionalism in PR practice and marketing communication. We made conscious effort to raise the bar at every edition, this year being the fourth. We also celebrate our stakeholders who have been consistent in their support for public relations not only in Lagos  but across the Nation.”

The main highlight of the event which attracted the crème de la crème from different sectors was the presentation of the LaPRIGA trophy to practitioners and corporate bodies carefully chosen by a Selection Panel for their contributions to the practice and growth of the profession over the years.

The most glamorous award that drew the loudest ovation on the night was the LaPRIGA Inspiring/Outstanding Professional Influencer Award, (PEOPLE’S CHOICE Award).

This award is an innovative award instituted by the chapter to celebrate commitment, dedication and professionalism in Public Relations.

It is important to note that this is the only award whose winner was determined by the people. The honoree was voted for by members and the practitioner with the highest votes wins by simple majority.

The People’s Choice award was won by Ishola Ayodele (a physically challenged PR professional).

Explaining the rationale for this special award, Vice Chairman of the Lagos nipr Mrs. Eniola Mayowa said, “The winner of this People’s Choice award is unique in many ways. One, Ayodele’s commitment to PR practice is well established.

Secondly, his consistency in contributing to the body of knowledge and dedication to expanding frontier of the profession is quite commendable. Thirdly, many of the people who voted probably haven’t met with the winner, he can be said to be ‘unknown’ but the value he brought to bear speaks volume. Lastly, when you now realize that the winner is an individual who should have reasons not to be of value but rose against limitations to be atop of his calling makes it so unique and worthy of recognition and celebration.”

Other winners included John Ehiguese, Yomi Badejo’s CMC connect, Fassy Adetokunbo Yusuf, Prof. Akinfeleye, Corporate bodies and brands like Lifebuoy, infinix

Barrier-challenging model Mama Cax has died at the age of 30, her family has announced.

The Haitian-American – who lost her right leg to lung and bone cancer as a teenager – died on Monday after being taken ill on a trip to London.

In an Instagram post, her family said it was with “deep regret and immense sadness” they announced Cax – real name Cacsmy Brutus – had died.

“To say that Cax was a fighter would be an understatement,” they said.

“As a cancer survivor, she had grown accustomed to taking on life’s several challenges head on and successfully.

“It is with the same grit (fervor) that she fought her last days on earth.”

Cax became a figurehead for disability rights, often decorating her prosthetic leg in colourful designs as she sought to celebrate her disability rather than hide it.

She has modelled for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Tommy Hilfiger and Asos and was the cover star for September’s issue of Teen Vogue.

Cax has also taken to the catwalks of both New York fashion weeks this year.

She had posted on Instagram over recent weeks of her struggles with new health issues.

Pop star Rihanna posted a tribute on Twitter describing her as a “queen, a force”.

She said: “A powerhouse beauty that broughr her strength to the @savagexfenty stage this year inspiring so many across the globe. Rest in power sis.”

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Rihanna✔@rihanna

A queen. A force. A powerhouse beauty that brought her strength to the @savagexfenty stage this year inspiring so many across the globe. Rest In Power sis @mama_cax

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Many others from the worlds of fashion and celebrity paid tribute to Cax. Last updated Sat 21 Dec 2019

culled ITV .com

Pace Setter Entertainment and Recognition Awards (PERA) presented awards to some celebrities and dignitaries as they stormed the ancient city of Ibadan for the 3rd edition of PERA Awards 2019 on Sunday, 8th December.

Before the day of the awards, there was a conference organised by PERA entertainment on the 22nd of August, 2019 at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan at 10am with the theme “The Growth of Entertainment Via Social Media” The key note speaker was Mr Edmund Obilo, renowned investigative journalist.

There were two sessions. The first session was moderated by Mr Deji Adigun while Mr Dare Adekanbi, Chief Correspondent of Tribune Newspaper talked about “Social Media, A Tool for Publicity”. Other speakers include: Mr Tosin Odita, Mrs Oyenike Adeleke and Ms Azuka Ogujuba among others until the question and answer session started.

During the question and answer session, two observations were raised by a physically-challenged person, Raheem Yusuf Olatunji who was also present at the conference with two other persons with disabilities. When INN asked about his observations. He said “I raised an observation on the choice of venue for conference because it’s not accessible for wheelchair users. It’s the first floor of a storey building that was used and there’s no elevator there. We were carried by other participants. I added that many persons with disability who are interested in such conference may find it difficult to attend, henceforth, accessibility and inclusion of Persons With Disability should be taken into consideration”.

“My second observation was that Persons with Disability who are into entertainment should be included in the award categories of PERA Awards so as to motivate them, discover more talents and to promote inclusive entertainment for all”.

Responding, the chairperson of the organisation, Mrs Ennie Osaro Aiyeola reacted and said “the issue will be looked into.”

It was not until the award day on December 18 that the chairperson gave Raheem her phone number and asked him to call her so as to look at the way and strategy to be used to include Persons with Disability in the award. The director of Media team, PERA Awards, Mr Tolu Oluwo also supported the idea.

“I was not the only Persons with Disability in attendance. We were three in number but I was the only one that had the privilege to talk. By God’s Grace, we hope that by 2020 our dream will come true as this will inspire, motivate and discover more talents in the state. Leave no one behind is what we’re advocating for”, He concluded

The event was graced by top government functionaries in the state and Nollywood stars like: Chief of Staff, Chief Bisi Ilaka, Speaker Oyo State House of Assembly, Juliu Agu, Yomi Fanslaso, Gbenga Adeyinka, Yinka Ayefele, Shina Peter, Woli Agba, Funso Adeolu, Muyiwa Ademola, Chief press secretary to the governor of Oyo state, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, Evelyn Omolara Faroumbi, and a host of other artistes. (inclusivenews)

by Kenneth Alabaraonye

Prioritizing inclusive budgeting for the sexual and reproductive health rights of PWDs in Nigeria campaign is an initiative of four women led Disabled persons organization consisting of the inclusive Friends association (IFA), Advocacy for women with disabilities initiative (AWWDI), Faecare foundation and Haly Hope foundation. The goal of the team is to ensure social inclusion, access to basic health care services and facilities and increased awareness about the health status of people with disabilities with special consideration for women and girls with disabilities in Nigeria.

In a press conference which took place in Abuja on Thursday, Executive Director of Inclusive Friends Association Grace Jerry speaking on behalf of the group informed that WHO estimated that 15% of the world’s population live with at least one form of disability and in Nigeria this figure sums to over 30 million persons. One important aspect in the lives of such a huge demography that has continually suffered relegation is sexual and reproductive health. Our society has failed to notice that like any other persons, PWDs equally have sexual reproductive health needs. PWDs are infantilized and held to be incapable and unfit for marriage partners or even capable of parenting. The sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHRs) of PWDs continue to be contested while it remains a threat on rights to good health and life.

Speaking further, she said that attempts by the Nigerian government to address some pressing issues that has remained a challenge to PWDs has given birth to the ratification of UN convention on the rights of persons with disabilities (UNCRPD) on September 2010, the signing into law the discrimination against persons with disability (prohibition) Act on January 2019 and most recently, the national health policy on the reproductive health right of persons with disabilities. These giant steps have in no doubt projected our country as disability friendly and commend Mr. President for the effort.

Despite these obvious efforts, there are alarming tendencies that need to be curtailed very fast. Women and girls with disabilities make up about 75% of the total number of PWDS in the world. And the majority of this population is found in the third world countries and of course Nigeria. They are consistent victims of sexual violence and abuse which makes them vulnerable to sexually transmitted infections (STI). To further worsen the situation knowledge is lacking on SRH services and care such that even a PWD is abused, he/she lacks knowledge on what to do or how access health care services.

The group reminded government about the need to understand that policies and laws should be fully implemented. An inclusive budget that will facilitate the dictates of the national policy on reproductive health rights of PWDs is their strongest recommendation and in order to Prioritize inclusive budgeting for sexual and reproductive health rights of PWDs in Nigeria campaign they recommended the following;

1. The ministries of health, finance, budget, and planning, women affairs and humanitarian services, disaster management and social development should make deliberate efforts to ensure that inclusive budgeting is taken into account to provide access information on SRH care and services to cover for all forms of disability.
2. The national orientation agency(NOA) and the media should ensure mainstreaming of SRHR of PWDs and increase awareness that violation of the SRH rights is a crime and punishable under law.
3. The civil society must work together to ensure that inclusive budgeting for SRHRs is implemented at all levels.
4. The federal capital development authority must ensure that barriers to accessing health care facilities are completely eradicated

The group recognized the media as strategic partners in this quest for social inclusion and urge the media to escalate this issue until it gets the much-needed attention required to effect a responsive change to include PWDs needs in our beloved country Nigeria.  

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The Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent the Paul, in association with the Edo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), organized a one-day stakeholders forum on the Edo State Disability Bill. The forum, which was held on the 22^nd November, 2019, sponsored by the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, was well attended by civil society organizations, government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, human rights and Media organizations and the various clusters of persons with disabilities in Edo State.

Henry Ebose, the Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of JONAPWD, while expressing his dismay over the exclusion of persons with disabilities from the State development plans over the years, presented the Journey so far from 2012 till date in the advocacy for the enactment of Edo State Disability Law.

Different clusters of persons with disabilities at the forum spoke on the peculiar challenges their clusters are facing, which a disability law would address; such as societal negative attitude, poor access to public infrastructure, information, education, economic opportunities.

The Honourable Commissioner of Social Development and Gender Affairs, who represented the Edo State Governor at the forum, made a commitment to present the communique from the forum at the Executive Council meeting with the governor and to propose that the governor transmits the bill to the State house of Assembly as an executive bill while she would also lobby some members of the State House of Assembly to ensure easy passage of the bill.

The meeting was facilitated by David Anyaele, Executive Director, Centre for Citizen with disabilities (CCD)

The communique produced at the forum appreciated the Executive Governor of Edo State for the employment of persons with disabilities which has brought a lot of relief to them and their families. It highlighted the major challenges faced by PWDs in Edo State, such as exclusion from governance, discrimination on the grounds of disability, inaccessible social infrastructure and poor access to information and communication, among others. It called on the governor to follow the good example of other States that have enacted a disability law.A

Following the stakeholders’ forum, JONAPWD and other stakeholders staged a rally (street walk) on the 2^nd December 2019, for public awareness and advocacy for the Edo disability bill. The rally, which was part of the events to mark the 2019 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was sponsored with funding from the Netherlands Embassy in Nigeria, by the Daughters of Charity. Participants walked to the Office of the Edo State governor, where they were met by his representative, the Edo State House of Assembly where they were met by the Honourable Speaker of the House, and the National Union of Journalists for press briefing. All the parties made a commitment to support the cause for the bill.

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By Chris Agbo

It was all funfair as Safehost International Inititative/Academy held her 2019 Christmas party, it was a colourful event with a lot of activities which the pupils and their parents participated.

The proprietor of the school, Mrs. Joy Ngozi Belolisa in a welome speech describe the period of Christmas as a period of joy because it is a celebration of the coming of Jesus our Saviour. A period of giving and sharing and the school has called the parents of pupils to come and rejoice with them in the spirit of Christmas. She went further to inform that in the near future, parents and pupils would be going on picnics and the essence of it is to bond families and be happy as families.

The event saw the pupils performed some activities such as bible reading, ballet dance, drama etc. The parents were not left out as some of them participated in Bible reading. Interestingly, children with special needs participate in all these activities.

SafeHost Initiative practice what inclusive school should be. The National Policy on Inclusive Education is a policy of Federal Ministry of Education designed to mainstream persons with disabilities in schools all over the country. It is meant to provide access for persons with disabilities in school. A situation whereby our conventional schools will be equipped with all the disability enabling facilities in order for persons with disabilities to learn alongside others. This policy even though the Ministry has been making effort to implement it, the implementation both in public and private schools have been below average.

Interestingly, Safehost International Initiative/Academy located at Army Estate Phase 2, Kurudu, Abuja provide what even the ministry should emulate if the implementation of the National policy on Inclusive Education is anything to go by. The school is running a successful inclusive education whereby children with disabilities are learning in the same classes with children without disabilities with trained teachers who understands the peculiar needs of the children and guide them accordingly.

The proprietor speaking with The Qualitative Magazine said that her zeal to serve humanity and putting an end to discrimination suffered by children with disabilities and their parents informed her decision to set up this kind of school.  Bringing together children with disabilities and children without disabilities together so that they can mingle, understand themselves and become friends which will definitely get rid of the discrimination in the long run. Speaking further, she frowned on parents who are still living in denial about their children condition, there is nothing to be ashamed of. The parents who have been working with the school have understood diagnosis of their children and they take it up from where the school stopped at home.  She called on the parents who their children don’t have disability to allow their children enroll in this kind of school to mingle with children with disabilities. They can interact well and in future they will not discriminate against persons with disabilities because they clearly understood them. She appealed to individuals who can afford it to sponsor some of these children especially those who their parents cannot afford the fees. It is expensive to take care of these children.

Mrs. Ify Oguejiofor who is a parent of a child with down syndrome speaking with The Qualitative Magazine said that Safehost is the third school that her child who is 7 years old is attending and it is no doubt the best. Her child who used to wear diapers daily at 7 because he wasn’t conscious of himself is now becoming conscious of himself, he only wear diapers at night and now if he wants anything, he will come to you, hold you and take you to what he want and point at it. For example, if he wants to eat, he will take you to the kitchen and point his food. When he is thirsty, he will take you to where there is water.  Before SafeHost, he wasn’t doing these things.

Mrs. Bakoshi also a parent of a child with intellectual disability commended SafeHost for assisting her to understand what is wrong with her child, now the child who don’t used to concentrate, does now and they have even discovered that he is good in numbers (Mathematics). SafeHost is a life saver, they have practically restored our hope on my son. She said.

Mrs. Ngozi Azinkpali, a mother of a child with autism while speaking on her experience about SafeHost in the last year, her son has been with them. My son has improved tremendously and SafeHost is strategic in their approach, other schools we have been to don’t do his special diet, SafeHost accepted that and it has been helpful for the children, he can now concentrate and his motor functions are improving tremendously. She went on to advise parents who are still hiding their children with special needs to bring them out because their skills can be enhanced for the good of the society.

The Qualitative magazine learnt that SafeHost has boarding facilities for boys and girls so they can admit special needs children from everywhere, they have physiotherapists unground to ensure prompt attention to children with special needs and they offer training to their teachers twice weekly to ensure effectiveness in service delivery.

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by Chris Agbo

It was all fun at Millennium park Abuja on Saturday, 14^th December, 2019 as Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) FCT Chapter partied in grand style to end their activities for the year. The event which was well attended by deaf women and deaf men including their guest and partners.

There were notable faces in the deaf community like National president of DWAN, Beyioku-Alase(Mama Deaf), Lawrence Idemudia, Ephraim Omoregie, President, Abuja Association of the Deaf(AAD) among others.

Friends and Partners at the event were Agbo Chris Obiora, the publisher, The Qualitative magazine, Aleshinloye Ibukun, Damian Ivom from Albino Foundation among others.

The Chairlady Helen Beyioku-Alase speaking at the event said that the party was part of the awareness week after a week long of activities, it is time to party because all work no play makes Jack a dull boy. She also said that it is an opportunity to show people that the deaf women can have fun, laugh and play.

 Speaking further, she appreciated the National President and the founder of Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) for leaving her busy schedule and come all the way from Lagos to be DWAN FCT. She also appreciated the presence of ONTV, The Qualitative Magazine and Abuja Association of the Deaf.

The event witnessed activities such as motivational speeches from a guest, goodwill messages/words of advice from The National President of DWAN, Lawrence Idemudia, A.T.M, Ephraim Omoregie(the President of AAD) and Agbo Chris Obiora. Other activities at the event were dance, games such as Bag race, Egg race, fashion parade and beauty contest.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of award to the immediate past Country Director Ipas Barr. Shekarau for promoting the inclusion of the Deaf women during her time at IPAS.

Qualitative Magazine learnt that Barr. Hauwa Shekarau was instrumental to IPAS partnership with DWAN FCT in the area Sexual Reproductive Health to ensure the inclusion of the deaf women in health services.

Barr. Shekarau appreciated the DWAN, pray for God’s blessing as she commended their brand of advocacy and pledge to continue advocating alongside persons with disabilities. Speaking further, she said that even though she has left IPAS, she is still in the development sector and her newly formed NGO, Women Law and Development initiative main focus is inclusion so she assured that she will continue to work with DWAN.

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