By Justina Auta
A coalition of NGOs says plans are on to promote empowerment, inclusion and digital literacy skills for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to enable effective communication and thrive independently.
The coalition inaugurated a working group at an event on Friday in Abuja, with the theme, ‘united for inclusion”.
The event was organised by Inclusive Development and Empowerment Advocacy (IDEA) Foundation.
The coalition includes IDEA Foundation; Prince Ned Nwoko Foundation (PNNF); Lotus initiative for the Blind; Cederseed Foundation; Mental Health with Ditty Foundation; and Ugochukwu Ochemba Foundation.
Mrs Blessing Anyiwe-Isinyemeze, Founder, IDEA Foundation, highlighted the need for grassroots development and digital literacy for PWDs.
According to Anyiwe-Isinyemeze, digital literacy is a tool for empowerment and inclusion, which will enable the PWDs thrive in the digital age.
She said that the working group would support and promote Dr Chris Nwanoro, the newly elected member of the United Nations Committee on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
“This group, comprising experts and advocates from diverse backgrounds, will collaborate to amplify Nwanoro’s advocacy efforts.
“The group will ensure that the voices of PWDs are heard loud and clear on the global stage,’’ she said.
She reaffirmed commitment to close the leadership and digital literacy gap, through the use of technology, trainings, skills development and support for the Ambassador Nwanoro agenda for PWD.
“We will inaugurate a comprehensive digital literacy programme, equipping women, youth, and persons with disabilities with the skills to thrive in the digital age.
“Our Leadership Academy will empower emerging leaders from marginalised communities with the skills, knowledge, and networks to drive positive change.
“We will launch a groundbreaking initiative, focusing on the intersection of climate change, health, and inclusivity, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations are not left behind,” she said.
Sne said that the initiatives represented a significant milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Dr Christopher Nwanoro, Member, UN committee on the rights of PWDs, noted the challenges affecting PWDs, especially in the area of assistive devices.
Nwanoro, President, Lotus Initiative for the Blind (LIB), stressed the need for massive grassroots advocacy and implementation of policies to protect rights of PWDs.
“without engaging these people, knowing their problems and needs, you might not be able to get the results and the effect that we are looking at.
“In the world we are in today, people are more conscious about themselves, they do not think about other groups. The challenges we are having are too enormous.
“We are going to make sure that we extend our advocacy to those areas to create awareness,”he said.
He said that the group would ⁹carry out empowerment programmes, teach them skill acquisitions, capacity building, and see how much we can assist them to live independently.
Mrs Lois Auta, Founder/Chief Executive Officer , Cederseed Foundation, said that, PWD were double jeopardised, facing physical and structural abuse in Nigeria.
Auta said that nobody should be discriminated against because of their status.
“We are being excluded from development idea. Our rights need to be given to us. Issues of PWDs need to be prioritised,”she said.
She outlined poverty as a major factor to the poor health status of PWD, while calling on relevant authorities on the implementation of the disability act.
In the same view, Adedotun Esan, Founder, Mental Health with Ditty Foundation, called for collaborative efforts to drive the change and inclusion for the PWDs community.
“Together, we can create a society where no one is invisible, where no one is forgotten, and where everyone regardless of ability, gender, race or age have the chance to thrive,” she said. (NAN)
