By Blessing Odega
The National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities, Plateau chapter, has called for urgent measures to make public buildings more accessible and to promote greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance.
Mr Gotau Munbapba, the association’s chairman, made the call on Saturday in Jos as the association commemorated the International Wheelchair Day.
Munbapba appealed to the National Assembly, the judiciary, governments at all levels and the general public to always consider the plights of persons who use wheelchairs when designing and constructing public buildings.
“I appeal to government agencies and private developers to adopt universal design principles in all new construction and to audit existing buildings for accessibility for persons with disabilities,” he said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing one of them to man the National Commission For Persons With Disabilities.
The chairman, however, appealed that more inclusivity was needed, noting that representation mattered and the inclusion of persons with disabilities in policy-making would ensure that their voices were heard and acted upon.
He commended Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his support and commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities and also commended his administration for the steps taken so far towards inclusivity.
He appealed to the governor to further take decisive actions to strengthen disability inclusion in the state.
“We appeal for the proper constitution of the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission, which is critical to safeguarding the rights and promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities.
“We advocate for the appointment of more persons with disabilities to key government positions.
“Appointments such as Special Adviser to the Governor on Disability Matters, Senior Special Assistants, and Special Assistants should be reserved for our members.
“Inclusion in governance ensures that our voices are heard and that policies reflect our lived realities,” he said.
Munbapba also called on local government councils that were yet to appoint supervisory councillors, especially representatives of persons with disabilities, to do so without delay, as true development could only be achieved when no one was left behind.
The association called on both public and private sectors to remove barriers and foster inclusivity in all areas of society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that International Wheelchair Day is held annually on March 1 to celebrate the positive impact wheelchairs have on the lives of their users worldwide. NAN
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