Berikisu Abdullahi Yahuza
Today is International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is an annual event established by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities, raise awareness about the challenges faced, and promote their full and equal participation in all aspects of society.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmad Usman Ododo, in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities appointed the cluster head of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (SCIAN) as the Executive Secretary of Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs (KOSODA) aimed to underscore the importance of leveraging the leadership of persons with disabilities to ensure disability-inclusive and sustainable peace and development for all.
The Executive Secretary of Kogi State Officer For Disability Affairs (KOSODA), Mallam Nazir Yakubu, explained that the day highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities, while also celebrating their achievements and contributions to society
He said the day was dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of disability issues while highlighting the contributions of individuals with disabilities in society.
Yakubu noted that this year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” emphasizes the importance of empowering disabled individuals to take on leadership roles and actively participate in shaping their communities.
The Executive Secretary of KOSODA appreciated Governor Ododo for appointing him to manage the affairs of his community and urged him to implement initiatives that support and uplift the disabled community in the state.
He said: “His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, is dedicated to achieving total inclusion for persons with disabilities in our state. To further this vision, the Governor has appointed me, a spinal cord injury survivor, to head the Kogi State Office for Disability Affairs.”
Yakubu also noted that Kogi State has a proud history of being a friend to persons with disabilities.
“PWDs must continue to build on this foundation by fostering an inclusive environment that encourages the participation of disabled individuals for an equitable society for all,” he added.
The National President of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disability, Mallam Muhammad Ridwan, explained that the day gives a platform to advocate for the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities.
He noted that the theme seeks to amplify the centrality of the leadership role of persons with disabilities in all areas of life urge government, organizations, and individuals to take action, work together to create a more inclusive and accessible society for all, Increase the participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.
A visually impaired comedian, Mr Mike Aribido, who said it was not their fault to have any form of deformity, said what PWDs want is equal opportunities devoid of decriminalization and initiatives that promote inclusivity and accessibility.
He stressed that despite the challenges, there are success stories.
Sharing his experiences, a contractor, Mr Davies Oluwashegun, who is visually impaired said Persons with disabilities in Nigeria face numerous challenges, ranging from social stigma and discrimination to lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
Mr Davies called on government at all levels to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society, saying that there is ability in disability.
