A lecturer at the University of Medical Sciences (UNIMED), Dr Babatunde Asenuga, has facilitated a capacity-building workshop for security officers in Oyo State on disability rights, civic space protection and inclusive security practices.
The one-day workshop, organised by the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), with support from the Fund for Global Human Rights and the Action Group on Free Civic Space, was held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Damjay Hotel and Suites, Agodi GRA, Ibadan.
Security officers drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Amotekun Corps and the Nigerian Correctional Service participated in the training.
As facilitator, Asenuga led sessions on “Understanding Disability Rights, Civic Space Rights and the Role of Security Agencies” and “Promoting Disability-Inclusive Security Practices and Accessible Service Delivery.”
He also addressed the need for stronger institutional commitment to protecting the civic space rights of persons with disabilities and introduced participants to guidelines on the rights of persons with disabilities and civic space protection for security agencies.
Asenuga stressed the need for security institutions and other duty bearers to move from a charity-based approach to disability to a human-rights-based approach.
He explained that persons with disabilities should be recognised as rights holders and provided with equal access to protection, participation and public services.
The UNIMED lecturer also highlighted the importance of inclusive security practices, including the implementation of the “STOP-THINK-ADAPT protocol”, reasonable accommodation, accessible communication and non-discriminatory use of force.
He identified Nigerian Sign Language, Braille, easy-read materials and communication boards among the communication tools that security agencies can use to improve access to their services for persons with disabilities.
The workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of security officers to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote a more inclusive civic space in Oyo State.
The organisers said the engagement would contribute to improved understanding of disability rights among security personnel and encourage practices that respect the dignity, participation and equal protection of persons with disabilities.
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