By Solihu Abdulsemih, Osogbo
The Community Advancement Initiative for Self-Reliance (CAI4SR) has called for full implementation of disability law across the country.
The Executive Director of CAI4SR, Mrs Eni Ayeni made the call in Osogbo on Wednesday during a media training organized by CAI4SR with the support of Christoffel Blinden Mission (CBM) International.
The training with the theme “Advancing Disability Inclusive Development through Implementation of Disability Law and OPD Empowerment in Osun State,” was aimed at enlightening journalist on the Osun State Disability Law.
Ayeni noted that the training was designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and terminologies necessary for inclusive reporting that educates the public on disability issues.
“Nigeria is very good at domesticating laws and signing treaties, but on this project, we are interfacing with the government not just to domesticate but to take it a step further to ensure that what has been domesticated is implemented,” she stated.
She emphasized that the project seeks to create awareness that the era of stigmatization against persons with disabilities is over, as the law provides sanctions for violators, adding that the media is critical in spreading this message so that no one can claim ignorance.
Ayeni further revealed that the project had achieved significant milestones through active engagement with government agencies, including the designation of Disability Desk Officers across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“Any person with disability that wants to do anything with such agencies does not need to be running around; all they need to do is contact the Disability Desk Officer to table their problem and from there it will be attended to” she added. .
She noted that the three-year project, currently in its second year, has recorded remarkable progress in awareness creation, with expectations of more visible changes before its conclusion.
Speaking at the event, Alabi Olayemi, a media practitioner and founder of Storyteller Africa, underscored the pivotal role of the media as the watchdog between the government and the public. Saying that all people with disability has all the right to everything as citizen of Nigeria.
“Every person with disability has a right, and that right must be preserved and protected no matter what. No other person than the media can properly deliver this mandate,” he asserted.
He commended the government’s efforts in integrating persons with disabilities into the system and all sectors of government and also stressed that effectiveness in policy implementation remains paramount, urging stronger collaboration between the government and media partners.
Participants in of the training acknowledged the importance of using appropriate disability terminologies in their reports to promote dignity and inclusion.
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