The Justice Development and Peace Initiative (JDPI) of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti has urged the Ekiti State government to step up interventions to meet the needs of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in critical areas such as education, healthcare, and accessibility to public infrastructure.
This call was made during a one-day meeting convened by JDPI in collaboration with Miseror IHR Hilfswerk, bringing together PWDs alongside stakeholders. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Akingbade, the Director of JDPI in Ekiti State, emphasized the significance of this gathering, which aimed to validate the Citizens Agenda, a platform through which the voices and concerns of PWDs are articulated.
Fr. Akingbade highlighted the importance of addressing the rights enshrined in relevant legislation such as the Persons With Disabilities Prohibition Act of 2018 and the Ekiti State Law of 2020. The meeting served as a forum for PWDs to express their aspirations and challenges, particularly in accessing healthcare and education.
While acknowledging the state government’s provision of free education up to secondary level in special schools, PWDs stressed the need for broader inclusivity across all public educational institutions. Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the lack of adequate healthcare services tailored to the needs of PWDs.
Accessibility emerged as a pressing issue, with PWDs citing significant challenges in navigating public spaces and buildings due to inadequate infrastructure and facilities. They emphasized the importance of recognizing and accommodating diverse disabilities, including physical, visual, and hearing impairments.
Fr. Akingbade reiterated the commitment of JDPI to advocate for the rights of PWDs, urging policymakers and society at large to treat them with dignity and ensure their full inclusion in all aspects of life.