Nigeria and physically challenged citizens
Last Saturday, December 3 the world marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The annual event, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to emphasise the gains that comes from the integration of such persons in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme for this year’s celebration is: “ Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”. This theme notes the recent adoption of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of these goals in building a more inclusive and equitable world for persons with disabilities.
Moreover, it points out how physically challenged persons are excluded from society by promoting the removal of all types of barriers, including those relating to the physical environment, information and communications technology (ICT), or attitudinal barriers.
It is estimated that one billion people living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers to inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, they do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, which includes areas of transportation, employment, and education as well as social and political participation. According to statistics from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social development (FMWASD), there are more than 20 million Nigerians living with one form of disability or the other. Definitely, these Nigerians have the right to participate in public life in order to reduce inequalities in the society. It is therefore imperative for the government to empower the physically challenged in the society.
This will enhance their own capacities and enable them set their own priorities. Such empowerment involves investing in job opportunities, health, nutrition, education, and social protection.
There is no denying that when people are empowered they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, they become change agents and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities. Despite being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), successive Nigerian governments have continued to place the least emphasis on the welfare of those with disabilities.
For example, our roads and highways do not have dedicated lanes for persons with disabilities. In addition, vehicles and high-rise buildings lack facilities for the physically challenged to access them easily. The plight of the disabled is even more pathetic when it comes to their families and communities as many are regarded as source of shame, even as they are treated as objects of charity by the larger society. Even the few vocational institutes set up for them by the various levels of government are ill-equipped and ill-maintained; so it is no surprise that many of them end up on the streets as beggars while others turn to drugs and other socially unacceptable practices for means of livelihood. A country’s development is measured by its attitude towards the physically challenged population.
This is why we applaud the Senate for passing the Bill to prohibit Discrimination against persons with disability”. This will not only protect the interests of this discriminated section of society, but also restore their dignity. Signing the bill into law will reaffirm their faith in themselves and most especially in their country, Nigeria.
