Benin City, Edo State – May 31, 2024
In a bid to raise awareness and enhance the implementation of the Violence Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Law, the Chairperson of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JoNAPWD), Edo State chapter, Ms. Ann Ojiugo, has called for a robust collaboration with the media. This appeal was made on Thursday during a one-day media parley held in Benin, Edo State. The event was organized by the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC II) Programme in conjunction with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council.
In her address, Ms. Ojiugo highlighted the myriad challenges faced by persons with disabilities, including limited access to public spaces and transportation, pervasive social stigma, educational barriers, employment disparities, healthcare inequalities, financial strains, technological gaps, transportation difficulties, and mental health issues. She emphasized the urgent need for increased awareness and implementation of the disability rights law, which was passed in 2022 but remains largely underutilized and unknown.
“Despite the passage of the disability rights law in 2022, the level of awareness and implementation is still very low,” Ms. Ojiugo remarked. “It is therefore imperative to hold this media parley to seek the support of the media in creating awareness of the disability rights law and securing the commitment of the relevant stakeholders for increased implementation.”
The event featured an insightful oral presentation by ROLAC’s focal person, Mr. Imonite Omokhodion, who outlined the objectives of the meeting. These included consolidating rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria, raising awareness among vulnerable populations and the general public about justice response mechanisms, legal aid channels, counselling services, Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), and shelters available in Edo State. Additionally, the meeting aimed to enhance accessibility by reducing barriers to justice and support services through clear information and guidance.
Mr. Omokhodion further elaborated on the goals of empowering vulnerable populations with knowledge about their rights and available support services, enabling informed decision-making and assistance-seeking. He also emphasized fostering and strengthening collaboration among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media outlets, government agencies, and relevant stakeholders to amplify the impact of advocacy efforts and media campaigns.
Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Mrs. Christabel Omo-Ekwu, addressed the gathering through her representative, the Director of Gender Issues at the Ministry, Mrs. Irenonden Ihensekhien. Mrs. Omo-Ekwu highlighted the state’s proactive steps in mitigating gender-based violence and violence against persons with disabilities, ensuring that offenders are prosecuted. She mentioned the establishment of committees to oversee these issues, ongoing training and public enlightenment about gender-based violence laws, and leveraging primary health care centers across the state’s three senatorial districts.
“The state government is doing so much to ensure that the child-rights law is implemented at all levels of society, with a view to protecting children, especially at the grassroots,” Mrs. Ihensekhien noted.
Earlier in the event, Mr. Festus Alenkhe, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, urged journalists in the state to support persons with disabilities by raising awareness about their needs and challenges. He stressed the vital role of the media in shaping public perception and policy advocacy.
The high point of the training was the presentation of the Edo State Violence Against Persons Law to all participants, symbolizing a renewed commitment to the protection and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the collaboration between JoNAPWD, ROLAC II, the NUJ, and the Edo State government marks a significant step towards achieving greater awareness and implementation of the disability rights law. The collective efforts aim to ensure that persons with disabilities in Edo State can live with dignity and access the justice and support services they deserve.
