The President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities,Mr. Abdullahi Alli Usman, has called for sustained advocacy and stronger inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of national life.
Usman made the call during the commissioning of ramps and accessible toilet facilities donated to the Health Services of the University of Ibadan (UI).
He stressed the need for Nigeria to adopt a human rights-based approach to disability issues, noting that equality and dignity must be guaranteed for all citizens regardless of physical condition.
“Our responsibility is to advocate for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of daily life in Nigeria.What we want is a Nigeria where persons with disabilities and those without disabilities enjoy equal fundamental human rights. That is the goal we continue to pursue,” he said.
Usman also highlighted provisions under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with stakeholders, which include the supply of assistive devices to further support persons with disabilities.
“Beyond infrastructure, there are plans to provide assistive devices that will further support persons with disabilities. We appreciate all those involved in making this possible,” he added.
He explained that the newly constructed ramps were designed to improve accessibility for wheelchair users and other persons with mobility challenges, describing the intervention as a major step toward inclusive healthcare delivery.
“Before now, persons with disabilities often had to be physically assisted into the facility. For instance, a pregnant woman on a wheelchair would need to be carried to access care. With the ramp, such individuals can now move independently with their wheelchairs to access healthcare services, including consultations and maternity care,” he said.
Usman said the development represents improved dignity and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
In her remarks, the Director of Health Services, University of Ibadan, Dr. Aderonke Ajav, said the institution has continued to benefit from interventions aimed at improving accessibility and inclusive healthcare delivery. She noted that the university remains committed to initiatives that promote inclusion and improve service delivery for all users of its health facilities.
“At a point, we were encouraged to bring forward any projects that could benefit us, especially those that would ensure we are recognised and supported. We are grateful that when this opportunity came, our institution was considered,” she said.
Ajav explained that the intervention led to the construction of access ramps and accessible toilet facilities, both of which have been completed.
“These facilities will significantly improve mobility and access within the health centre, especially for persons with disabilities. We were told that the President would visit, and we are glad that it materialised. We are very grateful,” she said.
Ajav further appreciated the support received under the Memorandum of Understanding, noting that a signboard has been installed to acknowledge the sponsoring commission.
“We sincerely appreciate the donations and support so far. The signboard recognising the sponsor is also in place, and we are thankful for this intervention,” she added.
The National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Usman, also commissioned a project titled: “Strengthening Accountability Frameworks on the Post-Moratorium Cycle of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act (2018)” at the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo Town.
The National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities carried out the assignment alongside Dr. Aikomo D.O, Former Dean of Students (Deputy Provost Representative), Alh. Dagbo S.S, Former NRCD Director, Dr. Bolaji Y.O, NRCD Director, and students of the institution.
