By Leonard Okachie
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), has called for the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, across all states.
Its Acting Director, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call in a statement in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Tuesday in Umuahia.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated globally on Dec. 3, with this year’s celebration themed: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, into law on Jan. 23, 2019.
The law aims to fully integrate people with disabilities into society by criminalising discrimination, guarantee access to healthcare, free education, establish the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), among others.
Data from the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD), estimated that there are 35.1 million persons living with disabilities in Nigeria.
Unumeri urged the federal and state governments, civil society organisations, and the private sector to strengthen disability-inclusive policies.
He called on relevant authorities to ensure that public buildings, transportation systems, and digital platforms were accessible to all, including persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Unumeri also urged them to create and support inclusive employment opportunities, vocational training, and entrepreneurship programmes for PWDs.
The centre leader asked the stakeholders to ensure access to quality education for children with disabilities, including the provision of assistive technologies and learning materials.
“There is a need to develop and implement disability-inclusive climate adaptation and disaster response strategies to protect vulnerable populations,” he said.
On the importance of the day, Unumeri said: “PWDs are leaders, innovators, and vital contributors to the progress of our society.
“It is imperative that we dismantle the barriers that hinder their full participation and amplify their leadership to build an inclusive and sustainable future for all.” (NAN)
