The federal government has called for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.

Franca Adiekweh, director of social security and cooperative development at the federal ministry of labour, made the call during a road show to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Saturday in Abuja.

The theme of this year’s Day is “Amplifying Leadership of Persons With Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”

The day is organised to promote awareness and understanding of disability issues and to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Ms Adiekweh explained that the ministry organised the event to create awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities in the country.

According to her, the aim is to raise awareness of the plight of disabled people in society and advocate for the protection of their rights.

“Persons living with disabilities have rights, and these rights should be protected.

“The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a yearly event that takes place on Dec. 3. It is an event that was instituted by the United Nations.

“The road show today marks the day and gives people living with disabilities an opportunity for their voices to be heard, and their needs to be brought to society’s attention so that the right actions are taken.”

Also speaking, Ayuba Gufwa, executive secretary of the national commission for persons with disabilities, expressed happiness that the Ministry of Labour and Employment was celebrating the Day.

Mr Gufwa described the event as a day for stocktaking, remembering people living with disabilities around the world, and highlighting their issues.

“It is a day for reflection on how far we have come in this journey. As the disability community, we are not where we were yesterday.

“While we are not yet at our destination, we are making significant progress, and I am happy that the Ministry of Labour and Employment is celebrating this day,” Mr Gufwa stated.

He urged other ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government to join in raising awareness about the day for people with disabilities, so they could collectively review the progress made.

“How are we treating people with disabilities in our MDAs?

“This is the message we are sending to the world and the need to make our country adaptable for all.”

Mr Gufwa further emphasised that there were 35 million people living with disabilities in Nigeria alone, a number larger than the population of many African countries, European countries, and the Arab region.

He noted that this figure was not declining but was increasing annually due to factors like accidents, age, and health conditions.

“We must make Nigeria adaptable for everyone,” he said.

He advised that all available means should be utilised to make the country inclusive, comfortable, and accessible for everyone, regardless of their challenges.

(NAN)