Stakeholders in the civil society space have demanded immediate enforcement of 2018 Disability Act in the country.
They said doing so will ensure that its provisions translate into tangible improvements in the lives of millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
Participants at a recent engagement in Asana,Delta State, made the demand where they also shared live experiences that highlighted persistent barriers faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), including discrimination, limited access to quality education, unemployment, and poor accessibility in public spaces.
Themed:”From Sympathy to Solutions for Disability in Nigeria”, the event was supported by The Albino Foundation Africa in partnership with News Central and other media platforms.
Speaking at the event, Busayo Ademeko, a prominent disability rights advocate with albinism, described the gathering as defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward inclusion and equality.
According to her, the Town Hall went beyond rhetoric, serving as a bold and necessary call to action.
She said:“ The conversations at Asaba marked a shift from passive sympathy to deliberate, solution-driven engagement.We are now focusing on practical strategies that promote inclusion, enforce accountability, and create equal opportunities for all.”
She further expressed deep appreciation to Jake Epelle for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to inclusion through The Albino Foundation Africa.
His leadership qualities are worthy of emulation and we are very proud of his great leadership, she said.
She also commended Bisi Bamise, the President of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN) and Tolani Ojuri, Chairman of the Lagos State chapter of AAN for their consistent support and dedication to advancing the rights and welfare of persons not only those with albinism but the broader disability community in Nigeria.
While the Town Hall in Asaba represents a significant milestone, Ademeko emphasized that the journey toward full inclusion must continue beyond the event.
She called for sustained advocacy, grassroots engagement, and stronger collaboration among government institutions, civil society, and the media.
She stated:”This movement must reach our communities, institutions, and policymakers. Inclusion must become a fundamental principle in governance and development—not an afterthought.”
The News Central Town Hall Series has set a new standard for inclusive dialogue in Nigeria, reinforcing the urgent need to build a society where every individual, regardless of ability, is valued, empowered, and given equal opportunity to thrive.
As momentum grows, stakeholders are urged to remain committed to the shared vision of an inclusive Nigeria—one where no one is left behind.
