by VICTORIA OKPANACHI,
As part of measures tailored at ensuring that public and leisure facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kogi, the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities has flagged off an on the site-assessment of selected public buildings and spaces.
This was made known at the validation exercise of the physical Accessibility Audit report that took place recently in Lokoja.
This was closely followed by a two day training workshop for OPD and other stakeholders on the right of persons with disabilities to an accessible built environment as contained in local laws and the UNCRPD.
This part of the activities of the association’s project supported by Disability Rights Fund (DRF) to enhance the physical accessibility of public facilities in Kogi State.
The validation and training Programmes concluded that there is need for the Nigerian government and other relevant stakeholders to lead the way in making accessibility of public buildings a priority.
In her goodwill message at the occasion, Secretary to the State Government Dr. Folashade Arike, congratulated the NAPWPD for their giant
stride in the state. She added that this is the first time the community is having an office and it goes a long way to show Government’s committed.
Dr. Arike who was represented by Mr. Ephraim Amurawaiye, Permanent Secretary office of the SSG, noted that the Government of Kogi state was out to ensure social inclusiveness of PWDs stressing that it was unlawful to deny people with disability equal access to education, health care services, employment and a host of other with their able counterparts.
Dr. Arike stated that in compliance with the United Nations directive, in 2019 Kogi state government enacted the law stating to establish a new office to guarantee and protect the right of PWDs. More so The people oriented Government of Governor Yahaya Bello she added, has assured that under his watch persons with disabilities will continue to enjoy inclusiveness.
Speaking at event The National President NAPWPD Mr Rilwan Mohammed said the program is to validate the accessibility audit report of selected public places and spaces in Kogi state. He also noted that the Association is pushing for the implementation of the audit report, to ensure that public places and facilities are accessible by PWDs. He noted that it is their right to ensure that the disability law is fully operational.
On his part, the Executive Secretary, Kogi state office for Disability Affairs Barr. Zacchaeus Michael, said the essence of the validation which attracted officials of persons with physical disabilities from other states, was for accessing the Kogi state audit report of public building to ascertain their accessibility to persons with physical disabilities. He said the physical Accessibility audit report recommended that, in line with section 30 of kogi state disability law, the kogi state office for disability Affairs was obliged to take immediate initiative in formulating and approving a minimum Accessibility standard code and follow up with it’s implementation in the state, amongst others.
He appreciated Governor Yahaya Bello for his unwavering support, to the association nothing that with his support, government office will take the lead by ensuring accessibility for PWD. He also appreciated the association for working tirelessly to ensure positive results and to Disability Right Fund for their support and funding.
The board chairman, Kogi state office of Disability Affairs, Mr Ibrahim Arome, said the goal of the validation is to ensure accessibility of public places for PWD, while training of organization of persons with disabilities (OPD) will commence immediately. He urged Stakeholders, Policymakers and the Media to collaborate with PWD and ensure inclusive community for all.
Arome also commended the Disability Right Fund for their partnership and funding, while calling on other donor agencies for partnership.
