Aiyedatiwa Urged To Make Domestication Of Disability Law Executive Bill

BOLU-OLU ESHO, Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has been called upon to make the domestication of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, an executive bill.

The call was made at a one-day High Level Stakeholders Forum on Rights-Based Disability Inclusion in Ondo State, held in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, organised by Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI)and funded by Disability Rights Fund(DRF).

Members of Board of Ondo State Law Commission, Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Akure Beach, Onimisi Umar, representatives of the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), state Coordinator of National Human Rights Commission(NHRC), members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) among others were present at the meeting.

It was disclosed at the meeting by the Executive Director, Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Engr. Olajide Benjamin, Ondo State, remains the only state in the Southwest that has not domesticated the 2018 Prohibition Act.

He said Ondo State government should domesticate the disability prohibition Act 2018 and ensure strict compliance in public and private institutions.

Recommendations were made at the end of the meeting.

They are “The state government should fully domesticate and enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in Ondo State, ensuring strict compliance in public and private institutions.

Creation of specific disability related budgetary line across all sectors to ensure consistent funding for the welfare of PWDs in the state budget.
Introduce scholarship programs specifically targeted at students with disabilities in Ondo State.

“The Ondo State Government should provide employment opportunities for PWDs within public services to promote economic empowerment and social inclusion.

“Support entrepreneurship initiatives for PWDs to reduce dependence and improve livelihoods.

“Ensure all healthcare facilities meet accessibility standards, including ramps, handrails, elevators, accessible toilets, signage, and assistive technologies.

Establish an Ondo State Disability Advisory Committee comprising PWD representatives, government, private sector, and civil society.

“Ensure active participation of PWDs in policy formulation, budgeting, and program implementation.”

Speaking on Right-Based Disability Inclusion, Mrs Stella-Ikeokwu Nathaniel of Precious Pertals Empowerment Centre(PREC) disclosed that there are over 29 million PWDs in the country.

She urged the government at all levels not be see Inclusion of the PWDs in all government programmes and policies as optional but an obligation.

Present at the meeting are the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr Olamide Oladiji was represented by Head of the Legal Dept of the Assembly, Mrs Tunde Alarape; National Human Rights Commission, State Coordinator, Sunday Oyewole; Chairman Board of the Ondo State Law Commission was represented by Barrister Ogunmoyero R.O., State. Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Franklin Oloniju.