2022 WORLD DISABILITY DAY CELEBRATION – TRANSFORMATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR INCLUSIVE DEVELOPMENT: THE ROLE OF INNOVATION IN FUELING AN ACCESSIBLE AND EQUITABLE WORLD.
The 2022 World Disabled Day (WDD) for Persons With Disability in Ogun East Senatorial District was held on Thursday 8th December 2022 at JDPC Conference Hall, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.The event had over 120 participants in attendance including the Bishop Of Catholic Diocese of Ijebu, Rt. Rev. Francis Adeshina, the Director of JDPC, Fr. J.P. Ngoyi, JDPC Deputy Director – Mrs. Ireti Disu, JONAPWD State Chairman, Mr. Michael Ebohon, Odogbolu Local Government Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Abraham, Head of Disability Desk Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), Mrs. Mariam Oshifade and many other dignitaries. The Bishop in his opening remark congratulated all PWDs for the celebration.
He noted that in every disability, there is ability, and they should make good use of the skills they have and also acquire more skills. they should make use of the charity house to display their wares and skills. He noted that truly there is ability in every disability and the planning of the program is a practical example of that. He also noted that the church and JDPC are open to receive them whenever they need help and they should not pull themselves away.
They should not allow people leave them behind and they should also not allow themselves to be left behind. The director of JDPC in his remark encouraged all to have skills and means of livelihood, this would enable swift integration of PWDS in the society. He noted that he is glad at the work done in the preparation for the day and encouraged the executives and other committee members to do more. He also encouraged all of them present to make use of the Bishop Fasina Charity House, stating that the house was created for them in honor of the late Bishop who had passion for less privileged persons in the society, to bring in their items and products for display and sales, no matter how small their wares are. He celebrated the executives for their efforts in organizing the celebration and hopes that the association would also bring in new members from different clusters and various local government areas. Odogbolu Local Government social welfare officer noted that the LG in collaboration with Catholic Centre for Life is working together to see how they can make provision of relief items such as wheelchairs and clutches for PWDs in dire need. Database of PWDS in need of these items should be sent to them for assistance of PWDS. NSCDC representative noted that the agency is saddled with the responsibility of assisting PWDS in accessing their rights and prevent any form of abuse of rights of PWDS. She calls for social security and responsibilities towards ensuring peaceful coexistence with PWDS in the society by all in the society. Michael Ebohon, the state chairman sends regards from state executives. Appreciates Ogun East Executives for the work done and JDPC for the support provided for the celebration. He noted that the celebration is to bring to light the lives of PWDS and how they can have inclusiveness in their daily lives according to SDG 8/10. PWDS should be encouraged to engage in transformative solutions to provide employment and sustainable livelihood for PWDS. He noted that JDPC has complied with inclusiveness in the workplace, it is a call for government, NGOs, private sectors etc. to pursue inclusiveness in their workplaces for refugees, to bridge inequalities faced by PWDs in the world today.PWDs need to be united, they need to work as a team to ensure their needs are met. In the coming election, they should not sell their votes, they should exercise their franchise during the election.They should also demand the full implementation of the disability bill signed by the previous administration.The chairman thanked all for their support and contribution during the planning and execution of the program.Alhaji Olamilekan, a physically challenged man noted that no matter the disability, they should not see it as a challenge, they can achieve great things. They should always look positively into their situations.The Head of Department of Special Needs, Adeola Odutola College Mr Ojugba appreciated JDPC for their support to PWDs. He encouraged PWD to use what they have to get what they want. Work and use your hand to acquire skills and livelihood for themselves and family.There was also special remarks and goodwill messages from the Presidents of Tricyles and Motorcycle riders’ association, various PWD Cluster heads and Staff of JDPC. There was also donation and support to the celebration and dance competition between participants.
