The Albino Foundation Public Notice
By Oliver Nweke
The Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) in collaboration with the Albinism Foundation will tomorrow be addressing salient issues that affect the effective development of persons with disabilities.
The Director General of the FRCN, Dr. Mansur Liman who was represented by the Mr Oluwole Michael, the Director Finance and Account at a press briefing said that the FRCN Annual Lecture with theme “National Dialogue on Disability Inclusion” with topic to be discussed as “The Imperative of Disability Inclusion in National Transformation”.
According to him this is the first time in the history of Nigeria that disability is going to be discussed as a national issue.
He added that the World Health Organization, in 2018 revealed that about 29 million of the 195 million people who comprise Nigeria’s national population were persons with disabilities.
“Data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reveal that an estimated 7 percent of household members above the age of five (as well as 9 percent of those 60 or older) have some level of difficulty in at least one functional domain, seeing, hearing, communication, cognition, walking, or self-care; and 1 percent either have a lot of difficulty or cannot function at all in at least one domain”
“These estimated rates, while significant, are probably even higher because currently available data likely underestimate the prevalence”.
Micheal said that these challenges and rapid social assessment would be undertaken to document the current socioeconomic status of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Earlier the Chief Executive Office of the The Albinism Foundation and Convener, Disability Inclusion Nigeria, Mr Jake Epelle said that persons with disabilities in Nigeria are faced with a lot of barriers that limit them for effective and efficient participation in the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria.
Epelle lamented that persons with disabilities experience negative attitudes at family and community levels, including name-calling, negative beliefs, and misconceptions surrounding the causes of disabilities.
His words, “These negative attitudes manifest in rejection, neglect, loss of respect, denial of identity or self-worth, and often result in low self-esteem, depression and isolation.
“This, along with structural limitations and challenges, also reinforces barriers for persons with disabilities in accessing basic services such as education, health, public transport, and social safety nets.
He added that it is important that government officials, policymakers, and decision makers are aware of the importance of disability as a development issue and enhance data collection on disability.
He said a concerted effort to raise awareness surrounding disability issues would serve to shift negative perceptions and stigma against persons with disabilities among families and communities.
” It is my utmost belief that this Annual Lecture will go a long way in creating the needed awareness and bridge the gap that will mitigate the many challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
“The Albinism Foundation sincerely appreciates FRCN for their unrelenting support for the cause of Persons with Disabilities and disability in Nigeria and for giving us this platform to engage in national dialogue on disability inclusion.”
He explained that the event intends to awaken national consciousness to disability inclusion and the importance of creating a country that frowns at the isolation of persons with disabilities, and all other forms of exclusion”.
“We realize that institutional collaborations, public-private sector partnerships and non-governmental organizations involvement are the most practical approaches for addressing deep-seated issues such as the ones posed by disability”.
He commended the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS for funding The Albino Foundation’s project on Enhancing the Civic and Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process in two states and FCT and also supporting this event.
“In addition, I want to use this opportunity to warmly appreciate all our partners, especially Sightsavers Nigeria Country Office, Americare Nigeria, Red Dish Chronicles and MedicAid Cancer Foundation for their support”.
