The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Ilorin Kwara State chapter, in collaboration with ADDEHAB Resource Enterprise, organized a landmark event to promote the welfare of people with disabilities.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
The event featured a range of activities, including goodwill messages from prominent individuals, a panel discussion, and a road walk.
Speakers at the event emphasized the need for inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
The Chairperson of FIDA Ilorin, Barrister Funke Balogun, highlighted the importance of promoting the welfare of people with disabilities, referencing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
She called for inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, and equal opportunities for people with disabilities.
Barrister Abibat Olatunji, ADDEHAB Resource Enterprise, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing the importance of understanding disabilities and promoting inclusion.
She noted that disabilities refer to a spectrum of conditions, including physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments, which hinder an individual’s capacity to fully engage in social activities.
Barrister Tolulope Pelumi Oniyide, General Secretary FIDA Kwara State chapter, emphasized the need for awareness and inclusion, stating that integrating people with disabilities into society begins with creating widespread understanding of their rights.
She called for equal access to education, employment, healthcare, and community life for people with disabilities.
The keynote address was delivered by Barrister Ishaya, representing Barrister Kabir Osunkunle, who emphasized that people with disabilities deserve respect, opportunities, and love.
The speakers urged stakeholders to work together to promote the welfare and inclusion of people with disabilities.
Goodwill messages were received from prominent individuals, including: Barr. Akano Saheed, representing the Director of NIMC, emphasized the importance of promoting persons living with disabilities and highlighting the phrase ‘ability in disability.’
Alhaji Dare Abdulganiyu, representing the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa Onilu, saluted the organizers for their courageous efforts in promoting the rights and welfare of PLWDs.
Others Alhaji Saheed Yusuf, Director of Logistics ADDEHAB, Barr. Dr. Rukayat Yusuf, Office of the Public Defender and Professor Toyin Ambali, represented by Dr. Julius Olaolu Isarinde
Alhaji Dagbo, who has been deaf for around 40 years, shared his story, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognizing the potential of every individual, regardless of their abilities.
He stated, “No society is free from flaw, to focus on physically challenged is wrong, we are all human growing to achieve something.”
The event concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together to promote the welfare and inclusion of people with disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) commends the efforts of organizers promoting the rights and welfare of PLWDs.
According to Barr. Akano Saheed, “There is ability in disability, and we need to promote the talents and abilities of PLWDs.”
The event highlighted the importance of promoting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities and the need for collective action to create a more inclusive society.
In her take-home message, Barrister Tolulope Pelumi Oniyide emphasized that “Everyone has a form of disability or the other.
Discrimination against any human being is a sin. Women and children are inclusive in disability. Let’s keep our environment safe and inclusive for people with disabilities.”
