Stakeholders task employers on inclusion of job opportunities for PLWDs
Advocates from diverse backgrounds have revitalized their pleas for the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities to be advanced in every facet of society.
To celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons this year, Project Enable Africa and Access Bank orchestrated the Disability Inclusion and Leadership Awards (DIAL).
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, chair of Project Enable Africa and leader of Women Arise for Change, remarked during the ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Lagos that the organization has been striving to empower Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) through entrepreneurial skills and job opportunities.
She highlighted the necessity of all stakeholders within both public and private sectors uniting to assist those who are disabled in society, asserting that “Nigeria cannot progress if approximately one-third of its populace is left behind and overlooked.”
She noted: “Today is significant for us as Nigeria is home to around 20 million PLWDs, representing approximately 15% of the global population according to the UN.”
She encouraged employers to consider hiring individuals with disabilities since many have vital roles to fulfill and, crucially, families to support.
Olushola Owonikoko, the executive director of the foundation, expressed that the DIAL Awards ceremony was initiated to honor their accomplishments in empowering PLWDs and pledged that the foundation would remain relentless in its struggle against bias directed at individuals with disabilities.
Joseph Kruzich, Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate General in Lagos, earlier made an appeal to the government during his speech to ensure that PLWDs receive equal access to facilities and job opportunities.
As he stated, “In the United States and beyond, when you uplift the disabled within your nation, you enhance prosperity and discover ways for them to be integrated into the private sector and economy because they provide valuable and substantial contributions to the country.”
However, he called on the public to refrain from discriminating against those with disabilities, emphasizing that even in their disabled condition, they possess capability.
Adenike Lawal, senior special adviser to the governor of Lagos State on disability affairs, expressed disappointment that discrimination against the disabled persists despite initiatives by compassionate members of society.
She motivated persons with disabilities (PLWDs) to not allow their status to hinder them from reaching great heights while lauding the contributions made by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration for the welfare of the disabled.
The highlight of the event was the awarding of DIAL accolades to distinguished individuals, organizations, and states that have fostered inclusivity for PLWDs. The Sheraton Hotel presented an award for the private sector’s endorsement of innovation and inclusion for PWDs, while Plateau State received recognition as the year’s most disability-inclusive state.
Moreover, Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI), a nonprofit based in Abuja, earned the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities award for its efforts in promoting disability inclusion.
Eucharia Iyiazi, Ejiro Okotie, and Urionu Ngozichukwuka were other recipients in the personalities category. They were awarded Individuals Leading Inclusion in the Private Sector, Disabled Sportsman of the Year, and Disability Champion of the Year, respectively.
Meanwhile, Tobiloba Ajayi and Ishk Tolaram were acknowledged for leading PWD-centric civil society organizations and for having the most disability-inclusive corporate social responsibility initiatives, respectively.
