For many Nigerians living with disabilities, the struggle is not only about living with a physical, visual or developmental condition. It is also about finding opportunities, accessing healthcare, securing mobility aids, gaining education and skills, and being treated as equal members of society.
It is against this backdrop that disability groups in Nigeria have renewed their call for the Federal Government to establish a separate ministry or commission for persons with disabilities, saying a dedicated institution would give greater attention to their needs and improve their quality of life.
The call was made at the Annual National Youth Day Rally for Persons With Disabilities in Lagos, where members of different disability organisations gathered to praise God, showcase their talents and draw public attention to the challenges confronting people living with disabilities.
Persons with disabilities at the event
President of the Association for Handicapped Persons Welfare (AHPW), Hon. Princewill Onyedibe, said the present arrangement of addressing disability issues under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs had not provided the level of specialised attention required.
Onyedibe argued that a dedicated ministry or commission would enable government to develop and implement policies specifically targeted at the welfare, empowerment, healthcare, education, employment and social integration of persons with disabilities.
He said the annual rally was important because it provided an opportunity for persons with disabilities to come together, celebrate their achievements and remind society that disability should not prevent anyone from living a meaningful and productive life.
Speaking during his welcome address, Onyedibe said the association had, over the years, worked to empower persons with disabilities through various programmes.
He explained that the organisation, incorporated in 1992 and affiliated with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, had assisted more than 6,000 persons with disabilities through vocational training and other support initiatives.
“Our services include vocational training, arts and crafts, job placement, scholarship schemes, transport support, special education, seminars, exhibitions, medical outreach, surgery, guidance and counselling,” he said.
Onyedibe stressed the need for greater inclusion and equal opportunities, urging government, corporate organisations and individuals to increase their moral and financial support for persons with disabilities.
“We are advocating seriously for the creation of a separate Ministry for Persons with Disabilities,” he declared.
He said such an institution would help ensure that the concerns of persons with disabilities receive sustained attention rather than being treated as an extension of broader humanitarian interventions.
When talent speaks louder than disability
The rally was not only about appeals for assistance. It was also a celebration of what persons with disabilities can achieve when given opportunities.
The atmosphere came alive with songs, choreography and other performances as participants demonstrated their skills and talents before guests.
Students of Hope Fountain School, the Federal Nigeria Society for the Visually Impaired and the Down Syndrome Foundation Nigeria were among those who participated in the performances.
The students performed a choreography to a song by Nigerian gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey, drawing applause from the audience.
For the participants, the performances served as another reminder that persons living with disabilities have talents and abilities that can contribute meaningfully to society when barriers are removed.
‘Bless the Lord’ despite the challenges
In his keynote exhortation, the National Coordinator of AHPW, Mr. Chidi Nwankwo, urged persons with disabilities and other Nigerians to remain hopeful and thankful to God despite the economic and personal challenges confronting them.
The theme of the conference was “Bless the Lord,” drawn from Psalm 103:1–2.
Nwankwo described God as their “shepherd, provider, refuge, keeper, Prince of Peace, Alpha and Omega,” stressing the importance of maintaining faith in difficult circumstances.
“Persons with disabilities and the able-bodied should always bless the Lord in all circumstances so as to attract divine favour and assistance that surpass human help,” he said.
He said AHPW had remained committed to advocacy, vocational training, counselling, scholarships, exhibitions, disability integration and inclusion programmes since its establishment.
But beyond prayers and advocacy, Nwankwo said the association needed practical support to meet some of the pressing needs of its members.
He appealed to governments, organisations and well-meaning Nigerians for financial, moral and technical assistance to enable the association execute projects including mobility support vehicles, security facilities, completion of ongoing projects and medical surgery interventions.
Support, he said, could be made through the association’s account:
Account Name: Association for Handicapped Persons
Account Number: 2021314470
Bank: First Bank of Nigeria Limited
The participants also appealed to Nigerians to identify more closely with the disability community and support its programmes, stressing that inclusion should go beyond occasional celebrations to sustained action.
Among the dignitaries at the event was the Rector of Yaba College of Technology, who attended as a special guest of honour.
The rally ultimately became both a celebration of survival and a renewed appeal: that Nigerians living with disabilities should not merely be seen as people needing help, but as citizens with talents, dreams and the capacity to contribute to the development of the country when given the right opportunities.
By Innocent Onoh
