Host 500 Persons with Disability Across Badagry
The Real Act of Kindness (RAK) Development Foundation in collaboration with Ability in Disability Economic Development Initiative (ADEDI) on Thursday 3rd December 2020 hosted 500 Persons with Disability (PWD) across Badagry to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disability with the theme ‘Building Back Better: Towards a Disability Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post Covid-19 World’.
The event which held at Apa Primary School Main Field along Owode in Badagry West Local Council Development Area was attended by about five hundred (500) persons with disability and other dignitaries in Badagry.
Speaking at the event, the Pioneer, RAK Development Foundation, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende stated that the idea of disability is misunderstood by many who believe that disability has to do with physical challenges alone, forgetting that it deals with the state of the mind.
Mr. Ogunlende further noted that the government and private individuals need to invest in social amenities that will help to reduce the challenges of disabled persons.
“Disability is any condition of the body or the mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain things. The root cause of disability is centred on certain factors; poverty, malnutrition, the right person taking the wrong job and that person ends up being disabled etc., we need to build a world that is inclusive with fundamental highlights.
“We need to invest in basic fundamental facilities to prevent the eventuality of disability, we need to train people to understand the real concept of disability for the public to know that a disabled person is not a third class citizen, lastly, employment of people with disability in both public and private sector to encourage them. Policies should be made by the government to include a certain percentage of people with disability,” he added.
The Guest Speaker, Dr. Olabodunrin Oki stated that persons with disability in the society should be catered for and included in the annual planning of the government, adding that incentives should be given to them to improve the betterment of their lives.
Dr. Oki further called on the political class to always consider people with disability during election periods.
In the same vein, the Chief Executive Officer of Ability in Disability Economic Empowerment Initiative, Mrs. Jummai Omotosho stated that there is ability in disability of the persons, noting that they are always eager and happy to learn and showcase their talents.
“There is ability in them because for a little while I have interacted with them, I have seen in them the willingness, they have the zeal to learn and do what they can do. I believe when we join our hands together, we will see greater of them than what people are seeing now.” She said.
Responding, the Chairman for People Living with Physical Challenge in Badagry, Mr. Barnabas Abiodun appreciated the organizers of the programme, adding that they have put their resources together to put a smile on the faces of people living with disability.
Mr. Abiodun further stated that being physically challenged is not a restriction towards becoming someone important in life. He therefore called on the government and private entities to make policies that will meet the needs of this category of people in the society.
“We have been neglected but we are standing to fight for our right, there is no place where special people are not found but we have been neglected by our so called selfish leaders due to the budget and policies which make living difficult for us. We may be physically challenged but we are mentally sound and alive. Disability is a function of the mind. The government needs to make provision for us as it is done in other parts of the world”. He said
The event witnessed a raffle draw which saw to the selection of five people and a cash gift of twenty thousand naira donated to each of them by the Pioneer of RAK Development Foundation.
There was also an exhibition scene where the persons with disability showcased their vocations ranging from bag, bead and shoe making, hair dressing and styling, fashion designing, among others.
The event also witnessed the presentation of award to the Pioneer of RAK Development Foundation by the CEO of Abiity in Disability Economic Development Initiative in appreciation of his laudable works in Badagry and environs.
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