… Falana pledges support as rights group seeks inclusion for persons with disabilities
Olayinka Akinpelu
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has intensified calls for the implementation of the Ogun State Disability Law, urging the state government to take immediate steps to operationalise the legislation and strengthen the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The demand formed part of discussions during a meeting between a delegation of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the CDHR and the Chairman of the organisation’s Board of Trustees, Femi Falana (SAN), on Saturday.
The delegation, led by the National President of CDHR, Comrade Yinka Folarin, met with Falana to deliberate on issues relating to governance, insecurity, human rights and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Other members of the delegation included the National Secretary, Comrade Idris Afees; National Treasurer, Comrade Akomolafe Helen; and National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adewunmi Adesina. Also present at the meeting was CDHR President Emeritus and member of the Board of Trustees, Barrister Malachy Ugwummadu.
According to the organisation, the meeting provided an opportunity for extensive discussions on the country’s socio-political challenges, growing insecurity and the role of civil society organisations in promoting good governance, justice and the rule of law.
A major focus of the meeting was the situation of persons with disabilities in Ogun State.
The CDHR delegation presented concerns raised by the Joint Association of Persons Living with Disabilities in Ogun State. The disability rights delegation was led by Abdulwahab Matepo, National President of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association of Nigeria (SCIAN), alongside the Ogun State Chairman of SCIAN, Ayo Awobona.
The rights group highlighted what it described as the continued failure to operationalise the Ogun State Disability Law since its passage in 2017.
According to CDHR, although the law was enacted under a previous administration, it was never gazetted, a situation that has prevented its implementation nearly a decade after its passage.
The organisation expressed concern that Ogun State remains behind other states in the South-West region in terms of disability inclusion, participation in governance and implementation of legal frameworks designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
CDHR noted that other South-West states have domesticated the National Disability Act and established structures to integrate members of the disability community into governance processes, while Ogun State has yet to make significant progress in that regard.
Responding to the concerns, Falana pledged his support for efforts aimed at addressing the challenges facing persons with disabilities in the state.
The senior advocate assured the delegation that he would support initiatives geared towards ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are recognised, protected and enforceable under the law.
The CDHR said it would continue engaging the Ogun State Government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the implementation of the existing disability law or facilitate necessary amendments that would guarantee greater inclusion and protection for members of the disability community.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights, social justice, accountable governance and the protection of vulnerable and marginalised groups across the country.
CDHR said sustained advocacy and collaboration with stakeholders remain essential to achieving meaningful reforms and ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities in Ogun State.
