Peter Obi advocates for social inclusion and equality on International day of persons with disabilities

Former Anambra State governor and the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Mr Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to dismantle all barriers of discrimination against individuals living with disabilities. He emphasized the need for a more inclusive society and urged the government to provide better opportunities for those facing challenges due to disabilities.

In a statement issued on Sunday to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Obi expressed concern about the impact of bad governance on the lives of people with disabilities in Nigeria. He stressed that living with a disability should not result in societal stigmatization but should be seen as an opportunity to foster compassion and unity.

Obi highlighted the importance of ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to essential services such as healthcare and education. He emphasized that the government’s role should be to create an environment where people with disabilities can thrive and unleash their full potential for the development of the nation.

Citing World Health Organisation statistics indicating that approximately 35.1 million people in Nigeria live with disabilities, Obi emphasized the significant responsibility of the government in caring for this population. He called for the implementation of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, which mandates public organizations to reserve at least five percent of employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The former governor concluded by reaffirming his commitment to a more inclusive Nigeria, where every citizen, regardless of abilities, can actively contribute to the nation’s progress. He urged society to break down discriminatory barriers and emphasized the importance of social inclusion for individuals living with disabilities.