By Leonard Okachie
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) on Wednesday, urged government, as well as public and private stakeholders, to join hands in building an inclusive society for persons with disabilities(PWDs).
The group made this known in a statement in Umuahia by its acting Director, Mr Godwin Unumeri, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2025 theme is “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”
The centre noted that the 2025 theme strongly aligns with its long-standing commitment to promote the rights, inclusion, participation, and empowerment of PWDs
Unumeri urged government at all levels to promote disability inclusion in all its policies, programmes, and development plans.
“Public institutions and non-state actors must ensure adequate participation of PWDs in the design and implementation of their initiatives,” he stated.
He added that policies must reflect the experiences and realities of PWDs.
Unumeri also called for access to quality economic opportunities and Inclusive employment as well as promotion of political participation for PWDs.
“All public and private infrastructures must prioritise the accessibility of PWDs to infrastructure.
“Transport systems, healthcare facilities, public buildings, communication platforms, and urban design must all be disability-inclusive.
“Accessible infrastructure is not a privilege, it is a necessity for equal participation; let us join hands in this critical journey towards equality, dignity, and social progress for all.” he said.
(NAN)
