World Disability Day: APC lauds Tinubu for renewed action on social programmes

By Jude Opara, Abuja

As the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has praised the administration of President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in providing social security programmes for persons living with disabilities in the country.

Hon. Durotolu Bankole, the National Leader, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the APC in a statement on Tuesday said the event with the theme:, “Fostering Disability Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”, was in line with the activities of the Tinubu administration which he said has been committed to the issues concerning citizens who have fund themselves with one form of disability or the other.

“I commend the administration of His Excellency President Bola Tinubu, for the renewed focus on disability inclusion through expanded social protection programmes, conditional cash transfers, accessible education initiatives, and targeted interventions.

“This theme echoes the Doha Political Declaration and urges all nations to remove discriminatory barriers, guarantee equal opportunities, and embed disability inclusion in every sphere of public life. For Nigeria, a proud member of the United Nations, today offers us a moment of sober reflection on our journey and a renewed determination to accelerate progress”.

Bankole equally urged the other political parties in the country to emulate the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC which has set a national benchmark by institutionalising disability representation and ensuring PWDs occupy strategic leadership positions within their ranks.

However, Bankole noted that despite the efforts of the government, in Nigeria, significant barriers persist, with persons with disabilities still facing restricted access to quality education, decent employment, healthcare, political representation, and accessible transportation.

He called for action by calling on all tiers of government accelerate full implementation and domestication of the 2018 Disability Act, with clear timelines, budgetary allocations, and sanctions for noncompliance.

He further demanded that the 3. Regular accessibility audits of public buildings, transport systems, schools, and workplaces must become mandatory, with local governments playing frontline roles.

Concluding, the NWC chieftain argued that a nation that marginalises any segment of its population ultimately impoverishes itself. But a nation that embraces full inclusion unlocks boundless innovation, productivity, and shared prosperity.