The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr. Mohamed Fall, has underscored the need for holistic approach in fostering disability-inclusive sustainable development in Nigeria.
Fall, represented by Dr Jean-Paul Abiaga, Head of Office and Representative ai, UNESCO Office, Abuja made this known during the commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), on Wednesday in Abuja.
The event with the theme: “Green pathways to inclusion: Advancing disability rights in the just transition” was jointly organised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Unite Nations Information Centre (UNIC).
Others included the UN Disability Technical Working Group, and the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI), a disability-led global organisation advancing environmentally sustainable livelihoods and inclusive green economic opportunities.
Fall said, “Every person, regardless of ability, can live with dignity, equality, and opportunity.
“Fostering dignity in society for advancing social progress, the theme of this year carries both a vision and a call to action.
“Inclusion is not a gesture, it is a right, it is a responsibility, it is a foundation upon which social progress rests. Inclusion is not just a policy, it is a promise.”
According to him, it is a promise that every child can learn, every worker can contribute, every citizen can participate fully in the life of the nation.
He said that in Nigeria, persons with disabilities represent a vital part of the society.
“They are our neighbours, our colleagues, our friends, our family.
“Their dreams, talents, and aspirations are woven into the fabric of our communities.
Yet, we know that barriers remain,” Fall said.
He said such barriers were found in education, employment, access to healthcare, mobility, and participation in decision making.
According to him, the barriers are not insurmountable and must be tackled together because inclusion strengthens society for all.
He added that the United Nations in Nigeria stands committed to supporting such efforts through the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy and the related technical working groups.
Mr Mohammed Isa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, said the occasion was not only to reflect but to act with renewed energy, commitment, and strategic direction.
He said that President Bola Tinubu had given the mandate to champion inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all persons with disabilities (PWDs) across our federation.
According to him, to foster a disability-inclusive society, Nigeria must adopt a holistic, multi-sectoral approach anchored on rights, dignity, and equal opportunity.
“I reaffirm our unwavering commitment to deepening advocacy, driving policy reforms, and implementing targeted interventions that will make Nigeria a model of disability inclusion in Africa.
“The journey to a fully inclusive society is long, but with the commitment of the United Nations, the Nigerian government, development partners, the disability community, and every one of us, we will advance social progress.
“We will build a nation where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive,” he said.
Mr Abdullahi Aliyu, President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Mr Ayuba Gufwan,
Executive-Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), also made remarks.
Others are representatives of the UN system, heads of agencies, development partners, and leaders of organisations of PWD.
NAN
