SCDI, others seek inclusion of PWDs in development

By Moyosore Salami, Ibadan,

A Non-Governmental Organisation, Star Children Development Initiative (SCDI) has urged Nigerians to help strengthen fundamental rights and contribute to development of all Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in the country.

The NGO, at a media briefing to celebrate International Day for Persons with Disabilities in Ibadan organised in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Oyo State Chapter, said governments and all stakeholders need to carry along individuals with disabilities because they have special needs that require to be addressed in the country.

Chief Executive Officer of the NGO, Grace Alexander, urged media to contribute to an effective change of persons with disabilities in all aspects of societal life and create awareness to fight stereotypes-related to persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with a respect for human rights.

Similarly, Prof. Sabitu Olagoke of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan (UI), during his Keynote address on the Role of Media Towards Changing Negative Narrative Associated With Persons With Disabilities said that the media should play important role in presenting disability issues that will promote rights and dignity of PWDs to build a peaceful and inclusive society for all.

Speaking further, he said that why what is working in the developed countries is not working here is because of individuals, our understanding about disability and persons with disabilities need to change if we are serious about making a headway in disability inclusion in Nigeria.

“The media is in the best position to change this narrative”.

Also, Chairman of the NUJ, Adedamola Babalola, who was represented by his deputy, Oluseye Ojo, said the union would continue to support persons with disabilities, urging the government to put the right person in place for inclusive development.

Other dignitaries were Prof Fakolade, The Dean of Education Dept, University of Ibadan, Oyo state, Mr Seye Ojo, The Vice president of Nigeria Union of Journalist Oyo -state Chapter who represented the Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalist, Oyo State.

Also present at the event was Barr Ayodele Adekanbi, the Executive Assistant to the Executive Gov. Oyo State as well as Mrs Malik the president of women journalists in Oyo state.

Adekani while speaking to the media said that if there is existence of law and there is implementation, all barriers that will hinder persons with disabilities from actualizing their potentials would be removed.

Mr. Chris Agbo, The Executive Director, The Qualitative Magazine TQM who spoke via zoom said that the media should focus more on issues that promote the rights of persons with disabilities, focusing on charity and other approaches that further promote discrimination and stigmatization is a wrong way of reporting disability issues.

Speaking further, he urged the media to report disability issues using the right terminologies and also from the angle of empowerment and empathy not sympathy.

The GM, AIT Oyo state- Mrs Folakemi Tokunbo – Ishola in her speech, called on all media organization to come together work with persons with disabilities to understand the best way to report disability issues.

Mrs Emmanuella Ope- Akinola also spoke on the importance of digital in promoting disability in Media and a reasoned master of ceremony, Raheem Olatunji (a wheelchair user) was on hand to moderate the event.

Stakeholders urged the media to do away with stereotypes in report disability issues and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.