By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has stated that for the National Disability Act to fully serve its purpose, it must be accessible and understood by all.
Hon. Abba Isa stated this at the Media Launch and Presentation of translated simplified versions of the Disability Act aimed at enhancing awareness and understanding of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 within our rural communities.
The presidential aide noted that by translating and simplifying the Disability Act, “we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone, regardless of language or sensory limitations, can understand and assert their rights.
Recall that the Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) had undertaken a significant initiative to faciitate accessibility to the Disabiity Act by translating its simplified version into three major Nigerian anguages (Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba) in audio format for the benefit of the blind community, and into sign anguage for the Deaf Community.
While delivering his goodwill message, the SSAP, who was represented by the Head Media and Communications of his office, Lanre Oloyede, maintained that awareness and understanding are the first steps towards meaningful change, while stressing that it is our collective responsibility to disseminate this information far and wide, to educate our communities, and to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Disability Act are not just known, but also respected and upheld.
“My presence here today representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu further demonstrates the passion, dedication and commitment of this administration to supporting every initiative and intervention that promote inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities and Special Needs in all spheres of life which is the core objective of our Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu believes that nobody should be left behind in the scheme of things regardless of their abilities, and that was why he appointed me as his SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities to undertake this responsibility on his behalf.
“And he has mandated me to liaise with Ministries Departments and Agencies as well as subnational authorities to ensure the inculcation of disability requirements and perspectives in their policies plans and programs in order to create avenues of opportunities for Persons With Disabilities to thrive.
“Today, we celebrate the Media Launch and Presentation of the Translated Simplified Versions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, a crucial step in enhancing awareness and understanding of this landmark legislation within our rural communities.
“First and foremost, I extend my deepest gratitude to The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in making this vision a reality. Their initiative to translate the simplified version of the Disability Act into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, and to produce these translations in audio format for our visually impaired brothers and sisters, as well as into sign language for our Deaf community, is both commendable and transformative.
“The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 stands as a testament to our nation’s dedication to upholding the rights and dignity of all its citizens, regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
“However, for this Act to truly serve its purpose, it must be accessible and understood by all. Knowledge is empowerment, and by translating and simplifying the Disability Act, we are breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone, regardless of language or sensory limitations, can understand and assert their rights.
“Our rural communities, often the bedrock of our cultural heritage and social fabric, sometimes face challenges in accessing information due to linguistic and educational barriers. This initiative addresses these challenges head-on. By making the Act available in major Nigerian languages and in accessible formats, we are bringing the law closer to the people it is designed to protect. This is a monumental step in our quest for inclusivity.
“I commend TLMN for their tireless efforts and dedication to this noble cause. Your work is a shining example of the power of partnerships and the impact that can be achieved when we work together towards a common goal.
“To our media partners and other stakeholders, I urge you to amplify this message and help us reach the farthest corners of our nation. Let us work together to create a society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive and reach their full potential.
“As we launch these translated versions today, let us remember that this is just the beginning. Awareness and understanding are the first steps towards meaningful change. It is now our collective responsibility to disseminate this information far and wide, to educate our communities, and to ensure that the rights enshrined in the Disability Act are not just known, but also respected and upheld,” the Senior preaidetial aide stated.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, NCPWD, Mr James Lalu, emphasized that disability rights has come to stay in Nigeria, stressing that it is very important for every PWD and stakeholders to know and understand the provisions of the National Disability Act.
Mr Lalu stressed that this is another significant step we are taking towards creating awareness for people to be aware of their rights and the protection the law gives them.
He added that the Commision is empowered by section 34(4) of the Act to investigate all cases of abuses and discrimination against PWDs and to impose sanctions where necessary.
The Executive Secretary maintained that the Commission has received many petitions in this regard which it is currently investigating.
On the ongoing discrimination case against A.A RANO, said the Commision will apply relevant provisions of the law to bring AA RANO to account for their discriminatory act against Mr Gabai at the Maiduguri Airport.
In his welcome address, the Convener and Publisher of Qualitative Magazine noted that the essence of the translation was to make the Act more understandable and accessible to PWDs in order to empower them to seek for their rights because it is only when they understand their rights that they can fight to defend it.
While noting that there are over 10 million deaf people in Nigeria, Mr Agbo urged the commission to create sign language version in three major languages so that it will make it more accessible to a lot of deaf people across the country.
He further urged the media to take this awareness far and wide so that a lot of people will be aware of the provisions of the Act.
In his keynote address, the National coordinator of TLMN Dr Sunday Udoh, represented by Mr Pius Sunday Ogbu, reiterated the commitment of TLMN to continue to support the commission and other stakeholders in the disability community to create a society where everyone can thrive and fulfil their potentials regardless of their abilities.
“This law empowers citizens with disabilities to live with dignity and to fully participate in the life of our great nation . It challenges the stereotype and breaks down the societal barriers that has long excluded individuals with disabilities from achieving their full potentials,” TLMN National Coordinator stated.
Highlights of the event was the unveiling of the copies of the Simplified versions of the National Disability Act by the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu.
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