The United Nations Convention describes Persons with disabilities to include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
More so, the World Health Organization, in 2018 reports that about 29 million of the over 200 million Nigerians were living with a disability.
Although a distinct absence of data pertaining to disability prevalence and the different forms of disabilities persists in Nigeria, available statistics show that there are over twenty seven million Nigerians living with some form of disability, with the most common to include visual , hearing, physical , and communication impairment.
Asides from issues like less access to health care and education, these people tend to find it difficult getting employment, making them more likely to live in poverty
The Convener of a Charity organisation for People With Disabilities, “Holyspirit Buffet In organisation”, Mrs. Oluwakemi Sarumi, who decried the lack of attention, especially from government at the grassroots, said the nation would benefit a lot if people with special needs are given opportunity to be involved in the economic recovery drive.
“Teach them what to do, if they have a trade, they would not beg on the streets. I have a son who has cerebral palsy, and he is not doing badly. If the government should help, people will not just be throwing money at them in traffic”, she said.
Mrs Sarumi pointed out that many of the Special people are intelligent and productive.
She noted that certain factors compound the economic situation of people with disabilities in humanitarian settings, as some of them had to do extra for them to get noticed, considered or profit from their endeavours.
“There are disabled making Barbecue, making music and are in so many other professions, but they need to work extra hard to market, get customers and be profitable”, she said.
Despite the enactment of the disability law by the Federal and some state Governments to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities, the attitude of some Nigerians to people with special needs is still a source of concern
The Convener of “Coalition of Disability Organisations,” Mr. David Anyaele said government institutions must take the lead in the campaign against discrimination.
“The stigma and discrimination we face in this country is propelled by the States. They don’t want to see people with disabilities, they classify us as trouble makers, as people who are not supposed to come out. Many see us as if we have committed a sin”, he said.
“There are people who feed fat on charity based organisations handling issues of people with disabilities” Anyaele added
He pointed out that many Persons with disabilities are indeed intelligent and can help in rebuilding the nation
Some respondents believe that Disability inclusion is critical to reducing poverty and resuscitating the economy.
