Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has called for equity and justice for the People With Disabilities (PWDs) saying that, they deserve a better living conditions in order to maximize their full potentials and contribute meaningfully to development of the country.
He made the call at the 12th Rights Above Charity Lecture held in Benin City.
Prof. Ozekhome while exposing the widespread discrimination, exploitation, abuse, and neglect that PWDs experience in various spheres of life, said, individuals with disabilities do not require sympathy but that the government must wake up to its responsibility in meeting their needs.
While also advocating for empathy and understanding that motivates affirmative action, he said that a culture that does not demonstrate empathy to people with disabilities does them a huge disservice.
While underlining the importance of affirmative action, Ozekhome noted the gap in the implementation of the legal framework for people with disabilities, even though laws exist that protect their rights.
Citing “The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018,” which heralded hope for a better future, he remarked that the provisions of this act were still unmet.
While advocating for the rights of PWDs, Ozekhome, said that “it is not the truism of the disability itself but the societal perception of disability that impairs the disabled person.”
He pointed out that this perception, which is frequently tinged with sympathy and neglect, is what hinders people and asks for a society that does not denigrate the uniqueness of those who live with disabilities
He further said that Nigeria must shift from a charity-based approach to a rights-based framework to safeguard the dignity and place of PWDs in society.
On the part of the Executive Director, Network for the Advancement of People With Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) and convener, Edo Disability Forum (EDF), Melody Omosah, said the federal government and well meaning Nigerians must work together to ensure that the PWDs are well catered for.
Speaking on the forthcoming, he said “NAPVID will use the forthcoming 3rd December 2024 IDPD to evaluate societal response to disability inclusion and rekindle the discourse on disability rights.
“The theme for this year’s ‘Rights Above Charity Lecture’ is: “From Margins to Mainstream: Implementing the Edo State Persons with Disability Law 2022 for an Inclusive and Equitable Society”.
“The lecture is a critical move in the fight for inclusive society and a step away from legislation towards action”.
