A foremost labour leader and member of 2014 national conference Tuesday called on the federal government to implement the recommendation of 2014 conference with respect to Persons living with disabilities (PLWDs).
He particularly called for the amendment of electoral act to allow persons living with disabilities especially, lepers to exercise their voting rights.
Aremu ,who is the vice chairman, industrialAll global union and member of the 2014 confab, gave the charge in a message to the 2019 internal day of people living with disabilities (PLWDs) organised by the joint national association of persons with disabilities held in Ilorin.
The theme for this year (2019) is timely: “Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda”.
Represented at the occasion by Mr Toyin Aremu , the formermost labour leader called on government to promote awareness on the rights of persons PLWD at the national and community levels.
“It’s high time Nigeria implemented the robust recommendations of the 2014 National conference with respect to Persons living without disabilities (PLWDs). There should be “a Special passage ways for PLWDs in banks, hotels and airports where metal detectors prevent entry or exit; Separate lift carriers in high rise buildings for PLWDs to avoid injury by overcrowding; A law should be passed for compulsory assistance to persons living with disabilities by able-bodied persons while crossing the road;. Albinos should enjoy free medical care including provision of sun glasses; and that the Electoral Act be amended to allow PLWDs (especially lepers) to exercise their voting right during elections. The Key Action Proposal: To strengthen government institutions and organization of person with disabilities to participate in the democratic process and other development efforts in Nigeria using the Right-based Approach, this involves not charity or simple economic development, but a process of enabling and empowering those not enjoying their social/political rights to claim them. This includes being aware of their own potentials, resources and responsibility to hold government/political leaders accountable to their needs and development”.
He however called on PLWD to support the Kwara state government in its efforts at liberating the state from corrupt persons.
He added “There should be an amendment of the current provisions of the constitution through insertion and deleting of clauses that do not guarantee the rights and freedom of PLWDs; and Relevant provisions should be inserted into sections under Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution to address the gaps so exist in the constitution”.
The state governor Mallam AbdulRhman AbdulRasaq, represented by the permanent Secretary Ministry of women affairs,Alhaji Abdulganiyu Opeloyeru, said his administration has “designed a supportive package through social investment programme for benefit of persons living with disabilities”.
In his lecture, a university teacher with the department of industrial Relations and personnel management, university of Ilorin, Mr. Nuha Aremu tasked government to build a low cost housing units for PLWD and as well engage them in sporting activities.
Chairman, joint national association of persons living with disabilities, Bashir Yusuf who was represented at the event by the vice chairman,Mr Peter Ayanwale, enjoined corporate organisations and individuals to patronise goods produced by PLWD to improve their economic status and keep them away from street beginning.
