‘Jobs should be reserved for people with disabilities’

Douglas Anele, professor of philosophy at the University of Lagos, has asked the federal government to ensure that a certain percentage of employment slots are allocated to people with disability (PWDs).

Speaking during an albino foundation session with the Situation Room, a civil society organisation (CSO), on “Dialogue Session on Disability Inclusion in Nigeria” in Abuja on Tuesday, Anele advised that PWDs should develop their mental strength for growth.

The professor said with about 15 percent of the world population having one form of disability or the other, it was imperative that the Nigerian government open up the space for PWDs to be involved in all areas of human endeavours.

“The era of laughing or ignoring people living with disability is gone with the wind, hence they must be involved in all matters of human endeavours in the three tiers of governance,” Anele said.

“We know of the challenges which had in the past affected the laying of a strong foundation for their inclusiveness, so, it is time for us to take the matter seriously by ensuring they get the place in the scheme of things.”

He said though there are obstacles faced by PWDs in the country, they should be mentally prepared to take up the challenge of developing their potential.

“PWDs should not frown at the world but develop mental strength for growth and education,” he said.

Adebayo Adebukola of Human and Organisational Resource Development Center (HORDC) in Lagos, said in his speech, that civil society groups have left the advocacy for the involvement of PWDs in all matters for too long.

“Hence, they have now agreed to service the relationship between the two bodies to resolve the issue for the inclusiveness of the PWDs in all matters,” he said.

Esther Uzoma, convener of the Situation Room in her remarks, said the CSO was committed to ensuring that the civic space is open and to promoting inclusive governance and a Nigeria that works for everyone.

Uzoma said the civic space was under threat, hence the need for a collective effort to include PWDs in all spheres.

On his part, Jake Epelle, president of the albino foundation, said it is a welcome development that the plight of PWDs is being discussed.