By Precious Oham
The Justice Development and Peace Initiative, JDPI, Catholic Diocese of Ekiti and People With Disability (PWD) have demanded for inclusion of PWD in governance in the state.
This was made known during a quarterly dialogue meeting organised by JDPI, with stakeholders from PWD and Media representatives, held on Thursday at Catholic Bishops’ Quarters in Ado-Ekiti.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of JDPI, Rev. Father Emmanuel Akingbade said the organisation wants to partner with PWD in other to advocate for their welfare and rights.
He said: “JDPI wants to partner with PWD so that we can aid in the welfare of PWD, especially regarding their right. We are reforming our policies to accommodate PWD, you are not less human because of disability.”
Also, the Legal Officer of JDPI, Barr. Anthony Adeusi, said, matters raised in the meeting would be tackled because the Initiatives is now interested in reaching out to people with disability, also working as a partner in progress adding that the media commitment in the exercise is paramount to ensure that the advocacy is echoed.
On his part, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD, in Ekiti State, Owolabi Kayode acknowledged the support of JDPI in fighting for their rights.
He called for advocacy visits to government agencies and MDAs in the state, especially Ministry of Education and Health, to seek the inclusion of PWD in their employments exercise “and as well reach out to the First Lady’s office to reach out to women with disability.”
Owolabi commended the synergy with JDPI, saying, “We appreciate JDPI for contacting us, it is a welcome development having people to support us in solving the problems of our members it is a welcome initiative.”
The media representatives at the meeting pleged to propagate the activities of the PWD towards championing their rights to the relevant authorities through their various platforms.
