The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, has stressed the need for stakeholders collaboration to enhance inclusivity and accessibility of people living with disabilities in Nigeria.
It would recalled that Osun State House Assembly passed into law prohibiting discrimination against people living with disabilities in Osun State, but is yet to be fully complied with by both government and private organisations.
Speaking at a 2-day workshop organized by the national body of JONAPWD held in Osun State on Thursday, the National Vice-President, Dr. Olalekan Muhammad, said implementing the law would lead to significant improvements in the lives of people with disabilities, not only in Osun but across the country.
Muhammad commended the Osun State government for domiciling the law in the state, as well as establishment of Disabilities Commission, saying collaboration among stakeholders is needed for proper implementation.
According to him, "We are appealing to the government of Osun State that they should ensure full implementation of the law so that inclusive and accessible society is assure for all people living with disabilities in the state.
"Osun State has shown tremendous inclusive awareness by establishing Disabilities Commission and passing of Bill into law which is the most important.
"And in the next five years we expect some changes, the resources are available but the government, NGO and others stakeholders need to adequately collaborate. Through collaboration there will an improvement in inclusive and accessibility of People living with disabilities not only Osun but in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Vice President II Rita Adebayo said that the law discriminating against people living with disabilities will enhance them to fight for their rights.
However, the Executive Secretary of the Osun State Bureau of Persons with Disabilities, Rotarian Ayobami Oyetunde said the seminar will create more awareness about the law prohibiting discrimination against people living with disabilities in the state.
Oyetunde who was presented by Mrs Olajumoke Ojetola commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for assenting the prohibition of discrimination against people living with disabilities bill into law immediately he resumed the office.
The Osun state chairman of JONAPWD, Mr Oluwafemi Idowu commended the Osun State House Assembly for enacting the law, saying that they will not relent to achieving it implementation fully.