By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal
The Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), a non-governmental organization has advocated for the establishment of Disability Commission to be domicile directly under Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The Group made the call in Ilorin during a two-day Capacity Building Workshop on Right-Based Advocacy, and Human Rights Recording for Sexual and Reproductive Health/Disability Rights Advocates in Kwara.
Speaking at the programme, Mr Edward Ogenyi, the Technical Support Specialist of VDI advised that the state governor should be saddled with the responsibility of affairs of People With Disability (PWD).
He underscored the need for a Disability Commission to oversee the affairs of PWD in Kwara.
“There is need to set up Disability Support Desks and engage Sign Language Interpreters in government healthcare facilities to enable access to healthcare services for persons PWD.
“These includes the deaf, blind, persons with Albinism and the physically challenged,” he said.
Ogenyi commended the efforts of the state government for providing the legal framework for the protection of rights of PWD through the enactment of Discrimination against PWD (Prohibition) Law in 2017.
He urged the state government to maintain status of being pace setter in disability inclusion, adding that Kwara was among the first set of states in Nigeria to enact the Disability Right Law.
Mrs Catherine Edeh, the Executive Director, VDI stated that the Initiative focuses on five thematic areas including, Rights of PWD, Sexual and Reproductive Heath and Rights, Inclusive Education, Gender Based Violence and Economic Empowerment.
According to her, the Group is guided by the principle of meaningful inclusion to ensure that women, girls and children with disability are not left behind.
Similarly, the executive director calls for the effective operationalization of the Discrimination against PWD (Prohibition) Act.
Edeh stated that the Disability Act potends a bright future for an inclusive society in the country.
She added that available data indicates that about 16 states out of 36 states has domesticated and enacted the Discrimination Against PWD Act into law.
Speaking, Mrs Joy Bolarin, the Woman-Leader of Joint National Association of Women With Disability lamented on the various challenges that PWD face in their daily lives.
She expressed optimism that with the establishment of Disability Commission, it will go a long way to provide equity for people with special needs.