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The Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as stakeholders converged in Asaba for the Delta State edition of the News Central Town Hall Series.
The Town Hall, themed “From Sympathy to Solutions for Disability in Nigeria,” provided a platform for robust dialogue aimed at advancing practical and inclusive solutions to challenges facing the PWD community.
Declaring the event open, the Asagba of Asaba, HRH Prof. Epiphany Azinge, called on all stakeholders to ensure full implementation of existing national and state disability laws. He emphasized the need for collective responsibility in safeguarding the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities and pledged continued support for the cause.
Speaking at the forum, the Founder of TAF Africa, Mr. Jake Epelle, commended News Central for amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and shifting the conversation from mere awareness to actionable solutions. He stressed that true inclusion must go beyond sympathy, noting that real change is reflected in equal access to education, employment, and public infrastructure.
Mr. Epelle further called for the establishment of the State Disability Commission as provided by law and advocated for the full implementation of the statutory five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities. He also disclosed that over 45 assistive items, including wheelchairs, would be distributed to beneficiaries.
In his remarks, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, assured the PWD community of the Command’s readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to protect their rights and ensure their safety.
Also speaking, Chairman, Board of Directors, TAF Africa and Director-General, Institute for National Transformation, Prof. Vincent Anigbu, highlighted the need to bridge the gap between policy and practice. He noted that while Nigeria has made commendable progress in enacting disability-related laws, more effort is required to translate these policies into tangible outcomes that improve the daily lives of persons with disabilities.
Other stakeholders, including traditional leaders and representatives of the PWD community from across the southern region, underscored the importance of inclusivity, advocacy, and political participation. They urged governments at all levels to prioritize disability issues and ensure that policies are effectively implemented.
The Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of News Central, Mr. Kayode Akintemi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to championing the rights of vulnerable groups, noting that the strength of any society is measured by how well it cares for its most vulnerable members.
Participants at the Town Hall shared personal experiences, highlighting systemic and physical barriers that hinder their full participation in society, while also proposing practical solutions to address these challenges.
The Delta State Government commends the organizers of the Town Hall and all stakeholders for their contributions, and assures that insights and recommendations from the engagement will continue to inform policies and programmes aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
