Hope Centre, a school for the children with intellectual
disability owned by Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent De Paul Province of
Nigeria on Saturday, 7th of December, 2019 organized a party with
the parents of the children to commemorate the International day for persons
with disabilities.
As part of the event, they invited a disability rights
advocate and the publisher of The Qualitative Magazine, Agbo Chris Obiora to
educate the parents, children and the entire staff of the school on the content
of Discrimination against persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act. It was a
fulfilling one as parents of the children who were getting to know about the
law for the first time were very excited and demanded that the awareness should
be regular so that they will learn more about disability and related policies
and legislation in order to equip them to assist their children.
Hope Centre is situated in Kubwa, Abuja and they are giving hope to children with down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism and other related conditions.
Women with Disabilities in Ekiti state on Friday,
6th December, 2019 unanimously made commitment to ALWAYS SPEAK UP in the
event of domestic violence against them. This commitment was made at a
sensitization programme organized by Disability Not A Barrier Initiative
(DINABI) with support from The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Ekiti Province
7, Ekiti State in commemoration of this year’s 16Days of Activism.
At the event tagged “Curbing Violence Against Women with Disabilities: Roles of the Church”, Olajide Funso, the Executive Director of DINABI said the programme was organized with the aim of enlightening Women with Disabilities on the newly signed Ekiti State Gender Based Violence (Prohibition) Law 2019 and its contents. He said it was also aimed at knowing what violence is, types of violence and what to do in the event of violence against women. It was also aimed at explaining the roles of our religious institutions in curbing violence against women and how to prevent causes of violence against women with disabilities.
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The Resident Pastor of the Headquater of the church who
represented the Provincial Pastor of RCCG, Ekiti Province 7, Pastor Gabriel
Adarabioyo spoke of the passion the church have for persons with disabilities.
He said earlier in the year, he had a prayer session with persons with
disabilities in Ekiti state where about 300 persons with disabilities were
present. Pastor Adarabioyo urged government and everyone in the society to
always support persons with disabilities in the society and never to look down
on them. He said the founder of DINABI is a good example of “ability in
disability”. He promised that the church, RCCG, EKITI PROVINCE 7 will always
support inclusive and participatory activities in order to give persons with
disabilities a sense of belonging.
In her presentation, one of the guest speakers at the event, Barrister Rita Ilevbare said Ekiti State GBV Law 2019 is not only meant for women alone but also for men. She said the penalty for rape in Ekiti State now is life imprisonment. The Executive Director of Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion (GRIP) urged women not to die in silence in the event of domestic violence and emphasize the need to always speak up and seek for legal, religious and professional counselling. She praised the Ekiti State Government for enacting such progressive Law in Ekiti and urged the government to domesticate the National Disability Act in order to further support Women with Disabilities in Ekiti state.
The wife of the Pastor in Charge of the Redeemed Christian
Church of God, Ekiti Province 7, Pastor(Mrs) Adarabioyo who was also a guest
speaker at the event spoke extensively on the Roles of the Church in Curbing
Violence Against Women. The woman of God said God is against all forms of
violence whatsoever in the family. She said the intension of God for the family
is to live together in love, peace and harmony, stating that devil is the
author of confusion. She urged women to always put God first in their family.
She admonished them to always take good care of themselves, prepare food for
their husbands as at when due and train up their children in the way of the
Lord. She said RCCG as an institution always accord women with opportunities as
men most especially in attaining any level of pastoral duties in the church.
NISD’s Program Officer, Olamide Martins who represented the Ekiti Women Policy Agenda at the event said they will continue to work with DINABI and various women groups to ensure Quality and affordable healthcare, poverty alleviation, reduction in gender based violence, affordable and portable water supply, accessible rural roads and 35% political space for women including Women with Disabilities.
The dignitaries including Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State
Ministry of Women Affairs represented by Gender Desk Officer, Mr Aladegbola;
Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Office for Disability Affairs represented by
Deputy Directors in the Ministry, Mr Toye Ojo and Mr Agbeyemi; Chairman
of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Ekiti State
Chapter, Mr Omotola Omotunla; a retired Director in the Ministry of Education
who is also a blind, Mr Peter Adesina; the Secretary to the Board of Trustee of
DINABI, Mr Oni Ayodimeji all spoke against gender based violence.
The event was well attended by leaders of the four cluster groups of persons with disabilities in Ekiti state (Hearing impaired, physically challenged, persons with albinism and visually impaired).
Potters Gallery Initiative organized Abuja International Arts Ability Festival to commemorate the international day for persons with disabilities. The event which was sponsored by CBM, British Council and American Embassy exhibited a range of artworks made by persons with disabilities. It also an exhibition of handmade shoes and bags, beads, disinfectants and soaps, all made by persons with disabilities especially women with disabilities.
The event which took place on 3rd and 4th December, 2019 in Abuja was characterized by cultural dances, drama performances from the deaf community including National Anthem display in sign language by deaf children, music performances from Abuja musician with physical disability and also from blind musician who came all the way from Lagos.
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The highlight of the event was the gallery tour led by
Donald Unaka the Founder of Potters Gallery Initiative. He explained to the
guests what each artwork is portraying. Some of the work, the owners were portraying
their experience at polling booth at the last election, and also a sketch of
art illustrating the Future is Accessible.
The program officer of CBM, Dr. Israel Balogun who represented
the Country Director of CBM in his goodwill message called for unity and
togetherness among persons with disabilities in Nigeria. He said that persons
with disabilities in Nigeria needs to be in unity to achieve a lot especially
now that there is disability act. To achieve the implementation of the act, all
hands must be on desk. He also urges persons with disabilities to get a hold of
the act, other legislations and policies on disability issues read them because
persons with disabilities should know their rights and when to demand for them.
The American embassy showed a video documentary about deaf football team from California who competed with other football teams without hearing impairment and they emerged champion in American school football competition. The story was to motivate others who are still thinking that their disability is a barrier to their success.
A nonprofit organization, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, CCD, has appealed to Akwa Ibom state government to enact and implement the Disability Law. The Executive Director CCD, Mr. David Anyaele made the appeal yesterday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state during a two-day symposium organised to commemorate the 2019 disability week to sensitize Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state to key into the fight against corruption.
Represented by Mrs.Peace Ezekiel, staff of CCD, Anyaele who stressed the need to ensure that all states in the country implmented the Law however, regretted that in the entire South east region only Anambra state has done so. His words, “This is the first time we are celebrating Persons with Disabilities week in Nigeria with the National Disability Act as theme, and we say a big thank you to President Muhammadu Buhari for this. “Looking at the National Disability Act, in Akwa Ibom, we are not there yet, so I think we need to come out, and push to see how we can enact this Disability Law in Akwa Ibom. Other states have it but in the whole of South east we only have it in Anambra state, that is a shame”
In his remarks, programme officer of CCD, Mr. Muazu, Musa said besides advocating for implementation of the Disability law in allthe states, that the organization was working with ActionAid to under the Strengthening Citizens Resistance against Prevalence of Corruption, (SCRAP-C) to sensitize PWDs in 5 states including Akwa Ibom on the need for them to resist all forms of corruption. Musa who noted that best thing states could do to PWDs was to give them that Law, added, “That is why we are bringing this campaign to Akwa Ibom and other states that do not have this law, or those that have it but have not yet implemented it” The Commissioner, Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, (ICPC), Akwa Ibom state Mr. Sola Shodipo represented by the Legal Officer Mr. Kalu Ugbo, in his keynote speech, blamed the high level of corruption in the country on leadership. The ICPC boss who noted that Nigeria is more than blessed with mineral resources stressed “If these minineral resources are tapped, Nigeria may not need oil again, there will be no militancy in the creeks . “But what are we lacking is leadership; upright, transparent, accountable leadership. That is what we need in Nigeria. And I believe that when people with disabilities stand up against corruption, everybody will sit up. Corruption has really dealt so much blow to Nigeria and the citizens” In his brief remarks, Commissioner, Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Iniobong Essien in a keynote address commended CCD for their effort in educating, supporting, and empowering persons with disabilities and their families to maximize their potentials. “The right to participate in public life is essential to create stable democracies, active citizenship and reduce inequalities in society”, he said.
AbilityPlus TV on Tuesday 3rd December organized children party known as FUN FAIR for Children with Disabilities to commemorate the international day for persons with disabilities.
The annual event is characterized with bringing together
children with disabilities from different schools within the Federal Capital
Territory to have fun, eat and drink, participate in dramas, competition and receive
gifts items such as sandals, exercise book, pens and school bags. It is actually
a token from AbilityPlus TV to encourage and motivate these children to surmount
their challenges, acquire quality and become better persons in the future. This
years’ event was supported by Christofel Blinden Mission (CBM).
It featured the newly crown queen Maria Okese from Most Beautiful Deaf Girl in Nigeria Beauty Pageant along NTA staff, some members of Disability community notable faces were Patience Dickson Ogolo, Joy Abdulraham, Betty Mube(FCT Women Leader(JONAPWD) and Agbo Chris from The Qualitative Magazine.
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There were drama and competitions from the children and those
who came tops, got prizes.
The convener, Queen Janet Taibat Fasakin speaking at the
event said that it was because of what she went through as a child that
prompted her to always reach to children with disabilities, supporting their
school makes her happy and reach out to children with disabilities on world
disability day is remarkable. She went further to express appreciation to those
that supported the event and those who have supported AbilityPlusTV and she
called on the public to come and support AbilityPlus TV. She concluded by
saying that the event of next year would be better with the public support, she
will reach out to more children with disabilities.
There were deaf children, blind children and children with
other disabilities.
Queen Janet Taibat Fasakin is a deaf woman who works as a TV presenter at NTA. She is the founder, producer and co-presenter of AbilityPlus TV (it is a TV program on NTA for the advancement of disability rights and inclusion). A former most beautiful deaf girl in Nigeria.
Disability Rights Advocacy Centre on Monday 2nd
December, 2019 in Abuja organized a one-day Stakeholders meeting to validate
and review the simplified version of The Discrimination against persons with
disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities
(Prohibition) Act, 2018 prohibits all forms of discrimination against persons
with disabilities and seeks their full integration into the society. The Act
came into being when it received Presidential Assent on 23rd January 2019, but since then
very little or no progress has been made towards the implementation of its
provisions largely due to lack of political will and
low awareness of citizens on its contents and purpose.
The general public including persons with disabilities are mostly unaware of the provisions of the law, what constitutes
acts of disability-related discrimination and the sanctions for violations of
the law. Where there is poor understanding of the law, citizens are unable to
push for its implementation and compliance with its provisions.
For the above reason, DRAC in their wisdom in bridging this
gap simplified the text in the act illustrated it and
translated it into pidgin as well as audio versions for
those who are Blind and for the low literate population.
The meeting was to review and validate these various versions of the simplified text of the Act.
The Executive Director of DRAC, Dr. Irene Patrick-Ogbogu, while giving a background to the project explained disability
and how barriers created by the society constitute the disability not the impairment
itself. Different forms of disability face different barriers and challenges
and accessibility issues also differs, but there are four common barriers that
constitute or prevent the full participation or inclusion of PWDs. There are
physical barriers, communication barriers, policy barriers and attitudinal
barriers. Physical Barrier, PWDs inability to access public facilities,
Communication Barriers, is mostly suffered by the deaf and the blind which
necessitated provision of sign language interpretation, reading materials for
the deaf and audio format for the blind.
Attitudinal barriers is the biggest enemy to PWDs if it is addressed,
all other barriers would be taken care of. This barrier gave birth to all the
neglects that constituted the other barriers.
Policy barriers manifest in the form of lack of legislation and sectoral
policies to protect and drive the affairs of the PWDs, not until 2019 after
years of struggles.
The biggest challenge now we are facing is its implementation which includes the establishment of a commission to implement and give room for the full inclusion of PWDs in our country, she therefore urged the government to fast track the establishment of the commission.
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She went further to state that it is because of this that DRAC
is making efforts to popularize the Act. Putting the disability act in the
simplified version in English and pidgin languages for everyone to know the law
concerning the PWDs and be aware of the consequences and penalty.
The disability right act is in different parts, the first
part is discrimination is banned and awareness should be raised, the second
part is accessibility, third part is transportation and the fourth part is
seaport, airway and railway transportation, fifth part is freedom of exploitation,
right to health, education, right to be attended to first before others, the
sixth part is opportunity for employment in public life, the seventh is the
establishment of national commission and eight the appointments and duties of
executive secretary and other staff.
The participants were divided into groups to review the work
already done by DRAC and after their inputs, unanimously agreed and validated
all the reviews and corrections made in the English and Pidgin Versions and
gave DRAC a go-ahead to produce the final document.
The stakeholders at the event were representatives of the
different disability clusters, Media practitioners, and Civil Society Groups.
The validation meeting as well as the review and translation to Pidgin and audio versions were made possible through the support of the RoLAC program funded by the European Union and implemented by the British Council.
On Saturday 30th of November, 2019, Divas with
disabilities converged at Millennium Park Abuja to have fun, share ideas and motivate
themselves.
The convener of the event, Aver Akighir speaking to our
reporter said that it would be a yearly event and the essence of it is to bring
together Divas with disabilities to discuss their issues, make plans for their
future and have fun just like any other Divas. In years to come, Divas with
disabilities would be on tours to some beautiful sites around the world.
She went to call for financial support stating that the idea
is to motivate and build the confidence of women with disabilities.
The 2019/maiden edition witnessed the presence of many young beautiful ladies with disabilities of different endeavours, they encouraged themselves, had a lot to drink and eat. Mrs Aisha Pearce Dirisu, Mrs Ikalone Udo and Mrs Catherine Edeh educated them on some of the issues affecting ladies with disabilities. It was a lot of fun. No man was allowed, it was all ladies party.
Mr. David Obinna Anyaele, the Executive Director, Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), one of the leading NGO advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in a press release on Tuesday in Abuja to commemorate the International Day for Persons with disability urged state governments to adopt, pass and domesticate disability laws to mainstream and protect Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from harmful practices.
Anyaele noted that not more than seven states in the country had legal frame works to protect the interest and integrate PWDs into the society.
He also said that the Federal Government had failed to enforce and implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Prohibition Act 2019 after eleven months of assent.
According to him, the delays and failures to adopt and domesticate the law is an indirect endorsement of discrimination, marginalisation and other harmful practices against citizens with disabilities.
“It is important for state government to make inclusive plans, strategies and policies to accommodate PWDs and to boost participation of PWDs in governance.
“We never envisaged that eleven months after the passage of the national disability law, there are still delays and failures in the implementation of the provisions embedded in the act.
“We are also concerned that only few states in the country have legal framework that protects citizens with disabilities from exclusion and discrimination on the grounds of disabilities.
“We are more worried that both the federal and states government budgets for 2020 reflected very little or in some no provision were made for the rehabilitation and integration of PWDs,’’ he said.
Anyaele alleged that students with visual impairment were denied access by many state governments to the Nigeria farm craft centre for the blind for training and rehabilitation.
He also decried that anti-corruption agencies had continuously made no efforts to include organisations of PWDs in the fight against corruption, noting that PWDs suffered greatly from corrupt practices in any country.
He, however, appealed to states and non-state actors to help curb and halt the act of marginalising PWDs during preparations and establishment of both short and long term plans, strategies and policies.
He noted that Nigeria, having signed the United Nations convention on the rights of PWDs including it optional protocols, could not achieve growth and development without an all inclusive government.
The director urged anti-corruption agencies to take appropriate measures to involve and construct anti-corruption fights using disability eye-lens.
This, he said would lessen the burden suffered by PWDs as a result of corrupt practices such as diversion and embezzlement of funds for infrastructure that could elevate the lives of PWDs.
He called on President Mohammadu Buhari to establish without further delay the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to ensure that the purpose of the act was achieved as prescribed by the law.
He also appealed to the leadership of the National Assembly to take adequate measures to ensure that line ministries, departments and agencies make adequate provisions in its budgets for the implementation of the act.
He tasked organisations of and for PWDs not to relent in their efforts to promote and create awareness on disability related matters at all level of government.
Every December 3rd is set aside by United Nations as International Day for Persons with Disability (IDPD) to promote a better understanding of disability issues with a focus on the rights of PWDs.
The theme for 2019 International Day for Persons with Disability is “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: Taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda’ focuses on promoting a better understanding of disability issue”.(NAN)
The Association of Lawyers With Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to Implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 which he signed on January 23, 2019 following nine years of relentless advocacy by disability rights activists in the country.
The call was made in a press statement made available to TheNigeraLawyer (TNL) dated 3rd of December, 2019 and signed by both its Chairman (Daniel Amaechi Onwe Esq., Notary Public) and its General Secretary. (Gaius Ogan Esq).
The said law prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and imposes sanctions including fines and prison sentences on those who contravene it. It also stipulates a five-year transitional period for modifying public buildings, structures and automobiles to make them accessible and usable for people with disabilities.
The Association recalls that 3rd of December every year was set aside by the United Nations as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities. They describe it as an act by the United Nation to show commitment of the global community to put persons with disabilities at par with every other member of the society in terms of enjoyment of fundamental human rights. To them this is against the historical background fact that persons with disabilities have in diverse forms been deprived of the rights that are fundamental to the existence of every human. Consequently, persons with disabilities have come to be characterized by poverty, low self esteem and low life expectancy, despite their enormous potential.
ALDIN applauded President Buhari for enacting the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act after repeated failures of previous Presidents to assent to the Bill for the said Act. To them legislation has become the most veritable instrument for correcting the disadvantaged stead of persons with disabilities and equalizing their opportunities. They cautioned however, that:
“Having signed into existence the said law, it remains for it to be demonstrated that the said assent of the said disability bill is not merely intended to score political point, but rather to positively change the destinies of persons with disabilities in Nigeria forever. Therefore, it is expected that the President takes the necessary step towards the implantation of the Act, such as the immediate constitution of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). This Commission will spearhead the implementation of the Act. Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government have the immediate duty of reserving 5 per cent of their labour force for qualified persons with disabilities, in line with the Act. This will enrich our national labour force with the peculiar gifting of persons with disabilities….
“The Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act has come to stay and to be implemented to the letter for the good of the generality of Nigerians. It is the reasonable expectation, therefore, that Nigerians would willingly comply with the provisions of this Act, considering the good things it holds for everyone.
“May it not take Court actions and Court Orders for this beautiful piece of legislation to be obeyed. Be that as it may, should litigation become an option, let it be undoubtedly clear that the Association of Lawyers with Disabilities in Nigeria (ALDIN) will not hesitate to rise up to the occasion.
Beyond the government, ALDIN also calls on private bodies as well as individuals to shone discrimination in all its shades and ramifications to make our society conducive for the well being, development and contributions of all person, irrespective of their disability status, in line with the spirit of and provisions of the Act.(the Nigeria lawyer)
The federal government says it is set to establish a National Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities to enhance inclusiveness and enable them contribute their quota to national development.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Umar Farouq, stated this in a keynote address at an event to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), on Tuesday in Abuja.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Promoting the participation of persons with disability and their leadership: Taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda.”
December 3 of every year was declared International Day of PWDs by the UN General Assembly following Resolution 43/3 of 14th October, 1992.
Ms Farouq said disability had been identified as both a right and development, pushing it to the front burner of national development.
She thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act after 18 years of long struggle.
The Act provides for the full integration of PWDs into society.
It aims at establishing a National Commission for PWDs that will be vested with the responsibilities for the education, health, social, economic and civil rights of PWDs.
“My priority will be to ensure that the Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities is established in the country,” Ms Farouq declared.
Amina Shamaki, who represented Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said about 15 per cent of world population are living with some forms of disabilities.
“About 25 million Nigerians live with disabilities. These set of people always face physical, social and attitudinal barriers that exclude them from mixing effectively with other members of the society,” he said.
The Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women Affairs, Betty Apiafi, who represented the Senate President, said PWDs in Nigeria were competent persons with tremendous abilities that should not be underestimated.
“PWDs must be treated and given the necessary support they need to excel.
“Today is another opportunity to remind ourselves of what we need to do to ensure proper integration of our brothers and sisters with disabilities in the society.
“However, we are happy that the disability bill has been passed into law.
“We believe that with the new law, it will surely make it easy for PWDs to be more involved in leadership and all sectors of our economy,” Lawal said.
Also speaking, the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, admonished Nigerians to change their attitude towards PWDs.
“Our attitude towards them should be the type that will help them realise their potentials. My ministry is willing to support PWDs and all agencies handling activities targeted at giving them a better life,” she said.
The Qualitative Magazine reports that the highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Nigeria People’s Parliament for persons with disabilities.
The event attracted officials from ministries of interior, education, Federal Capital Territory, MTN Foundation, NGOs and other relevant stakeholders.
Copies of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition Act, were distributed to participants at the event.
