Bankole praises Tinubu for supporting persons with disabilities
Tolu Bankole
Bankole praises Tinubu for supporting persons with disabilities.
A member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, on Tuesday, applauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to inclusivity and for promoting the rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Bankole made this statement in Abuja to commemorate the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, themed ‘Amplifying the Leadership of PWDs for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.’
The APC leader, responsible for PWD matters, highlighted the Federal Government’s dedication to social protection, employment opportunities, and accessibility to public infrastructure through various initiatives.
He noted that this year’s theme aligns with the mission to foster inclusion, celebrate achievements, and advocate for equal opportunities for PWDs across all spheres of life.
“The APC-led Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has continued to champion policies that prioritise inclusion and accessibility,
“Through initiatives that promote social protection, employment opportunities, and accessible public infrastructure, the government has demonstrated its commitment to empowering PWDs,” Bankole stated.
He further noted that Nigeria has made significant progress in advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
“The enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 marked a turning point in the country’s commitment to creating an inclusive society.
“To date, several states have domesticated the Act, demonstrating their dedication to upholding the rights of PWDs. However, we urge the remaining states to urgently adopt and implement this critical legislation to ensure that no Nigerian with a disability is left behind,” he said.
Bankole also praised the APC National Working Committee, led by Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for making inclusion a core focus of its policies.
However, he acknowledged the challenges still faced by PWDs due to the prevailing economic hardships.
“Despite these commendable efforts, the current economic challenges in the country have disproportionately impacted PWDs, many of whom face barriers to employment and social services,” he said. “Rising costs of living and limited access to economic opportunities exacerbate the vulnerabilities of this group. As we strive for a sustainable future, it is essential to prioritise interventions that address these disparities and ensure PWDs can access the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.”
Bankole called on governments at all levels, private sector leaders, and civil society to take decisive steps to empower persons with disabilities in both public and private sectors.
“As we celebrate the resilience and achievements of PWDs, we are reminded of the transformative power of inclusion and diversity in building a stronger, more equitable society,” he stated.
