Recently, JONAPWD, with support from the FORD Foundation, has been actively working in Edo, Osun and Sokoto States to advance the implementation of the Disability Law. 

Highlights from the Policy Dialogue in Edo State

During the keynote remarks, Hon. Odike Iroube, Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, mentioned that:

“In the quickest possible time there will be a sign language interpreter at plenary sitting.”

Eromosele Kingsley Irabor, Chairman of the Edo State Association of the Deaf, underscored the urgent need for action to ensure equal access and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Edo State. In his words:

“Hospitals, police stations, courtrooms, core ministries, departments, and agencies buildings are not accessible for persons with disabilities in Edo State.”

He shared a personal experience:

“My disability is hiding whenever I go to the police station. There are no sign language interpreters, and when I go to the hospital, there are no interpreters. Because of this, I have been given the wrong medication.”

Edo State has further advanced this commitment through the past Executive Governor, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, by assenting to the Edo State Disability Law in July 2022. This law empowers persons with disabilities in Edo State to assert their rights and hold the government and duty-bearers accountable, thereby maximizing the impact of the legislation.

Policy Dialogue in Osun State

During the opening remarks at the Policy Dialogue on Strengthening Accountability Frameworks in Osun State, Oluwafemi Stephen, Osun state Chairman for JONAPWD, emphasized:

“Today’s dialogue is an opportunity to strengthen accountability and clear paths to achieve disability inclusion at all levels in Osun State.”

He called for collective action:

“Together let’s build a society where accessibility, equal opportunities, and justice are not just aspirations but guaranteed for all persons with disabilities.”

Key Insights

Olalekan Mohammed, JONAPWD National Vice President 1, noted:

“Osun State is going through a paradigm shift. On 5th September 2024, the state passed the long-awaited Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Law. There should be restructuring; all infrastructures should be accessible whether you are using a walking cane or wheelchair.”

Goodwill Messages

Rita Adebayo, JONAPWD National Vice President 2, highlighted:

“We want the establishment of inclusive schools in Osun State to show what all disability types are capable of achieving with their counterparts.”

Panel Discussions

Dr. Ayeni Oluropo, Executive Director of Community Advancement for Self Reliance, emphasized:

“Disability rights started moving from the charity, medical, social model. Now, it is a right-based approach. At the center of all this is the issue of access and disability inclusion.”

He stressed the importance of:

“active engagement and consultation with persons with disabilities.”

Insights from Sokoto State

Honourable Mai Dawa Kajiji, who sponsored the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability bill in Sokoto State, shared:

“The training I had on Disability Inclusion was what prompted me to follow up and sponsor the bill.”

Maimunatu Salihu Usman expressed her satisfaction with the law’s passage, recalling:

“In 2019, a student from Lagos State University showed me Lagos State Disability Law. I was amazed, and we did not have it at that time, so I took active advocacy and am really glad the government passed the law.”

Bello Shehu Gwadabawa, Chairman of the Coalition of NGOs in Sokoto State, pointed out:

“Access to health and social services is not a privilege but a right.”