Nigerians have been urged to encourage and support People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) toward ensuring all-inclusive growth, as well as development in the society.
The stakeholders made the call at a media discussion in Ibadan on Wednesday to celebrate the International Day for Persons Living With Disabilities(PLWD).
The event was organized by Star Children Development Initiative (SCDI) in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ).
The events with the theme:
“Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in fueling an Accessible and Equitable World” was well attended.
Prof. Sabit Olagoke, the Founder, Shafaudeen in Islam, urged the media to play important role in presenting issues that would promote rights and dignity of PLWDs.
Olagoke, in a keynote address, said that there was need for the people to build a peaceful and inclusive society for all.
“The convention on the rights of PLWDs can leverage as a tool to promote their access to education, employment, health and other areas of development on equal basis with others,” he said.
Also, Mrs Grace Alexander, the SCDI Chief Executive Officer, urged the media to contribute effectively toward changing the narratives positively for PLWDs in all aspects of societal life.
Alexander also called on them to create awareness toward fighting stereotypes related to PLWDs in a consistent manner with respect for human rights.
In his contributions, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Council, said the union would continue to support PLWDs toward making them useful for themselves and the society.
Babalola urged the government to appoint the right persons to administer PLWDs commission, while also ensuring inclusive development.
In her remarks, Mrs Dunni Ade-Alao, the Acting Zonal Manager, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Mrs Tokunbo Ishola, the Head of DAAR Communications, Ibadan Centre, corroborated the submissions of other speakers.
The duo said that PLWDs should not see disabilities as death sentence, adding many have attained success in their chosen vocations or careers.
They pledged their continuous support and commitment to the promotion of rights of PLWDs, urging other stakeholders, including government to also support them.
The event was attended by several other stakeholders including Mr Ayodele Adekanmbi, the Executive Assistant to Gov. Seyi Makinde on PLWDs.
