In commemoration of the world disability day, an NGO is asking for the implementation to Section 54 (1) and (2) of the Electoral Act 2022, and full implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
It believes the implementation will bring about a better quality of life for Persons with disabilities and greater inclusion and participation of PWDs in Nigeria’s electoral and governance processes.
The community of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and indeed all Nigerians, are celebrating the 2022 International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
The day was proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) through resolution 47/3 of 1992 to promote the rights, development, well-being, and inclusion of PWDs in all spheres of society including political, social, economic, and cultural life.
In Nigeria, The Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and it’s allies on the Access Nigeria Campaign are using this year’s celebration to highlight key issues for Persons with disabilities that require immediate and deliberate attention.
They want the government to ensure the effective inclusion of Persons with Disabilities through the provision of adequate systems, structures, materials and processes that accommodate PWDs’ access to and participation in public life on an equal basis with other citizens.
They’re demanding that all candidates for the 2023 general elections should commit and sign the Governance Agenda for Inclusive Nigeria (GAIN)
And by January 2023 governments should engage persons with disabilities in the democratic process, to combat discrimination and abuse, counter prejudice, protect their rights and ensure their inclusion in all facets of life on an equal basis with other people.
People Living With Disabilities in Nigeria, Africa and Several parts of the World including the developed World have had to grapple with the realities of everyday living and inability to access facilities like their physically abled counterparts even in public spaces and Institutions.
It took the personal appeal, push and intervention of current Minister, Gbemisola Saraki as Senator representing Kwara Central in the National Assembly for A ramp to be constructed especially at the complex for people with Wheelchairs and Other Physical challenges who were unable to use the stairs.
