IDPD 2023: Hon. Tolu Bankole celebrates PWDs, charges FG on more reliable census

IDPD 2023: Hon. Tolu Bankole celebrates PWDs, charges FG on more reliable census

Joel Oladele.

As the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities today, the National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Persons With Disabilities (PWDS), Aare (Hon) Tolu Bankole  MPA [UniLag] has joined others in the commemoration and recognized the dignity, achievements, and essential contributions of Nigeria’s over 30 million Persons With Disabilities (PWDs). 

The implication according to him is that one in every seven Nigerians live with at least one form of disability.

Bankole who disclosed this via a statement signed by him on Sunday noted that “Some of these disabilities include: visual impairment, hearing impairment, physical impairment, intellectual impairment, and communication impairment, but have differed the odds to bring laurels in sports, made giant strides in ICT, commerce, academics to mention a few.”

He added that the global heroics of PWDs are not just inspiring, but a reminder that it is possible in Nigeria too, given the right environment.

Speaking on the International theme for this year: “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs for, with and by Persons With Disabilities,” the APC Chieftain said, it is a reminder to invest in Persons With Disabilities if the SDGs will ever be achieved.

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

“This year’s observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been dedicated to inclusion of PWDs in the 17 SDGs, in the respective countries. Hence, I will attempt to domesticate the broader theme thus: “United in action to rescue and achieve possibilities for, with and by persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.”

Aare Bankole also used the opportunities to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the leadership of APC for their PWDs’ friendly initiatives.

“APC led administration under our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR has particularly played an important role in tackling the range of challenges confronting Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria since assuming office on May 29th this year.

“We have witnessed political inclusion of PWDs at the cabinet level and as Senior Special Assistant. Also, PWDs have been given a deserving voice in the Renewed Hope Social Programmes of President Tinubu’s administration, as we look forward to monthly cash transfers to the poorest, non interest loans to traders, and other economic empowerment programs to alleviate the plight of PWDs in Nigeria.  

“The commitment and ceaseless efforts of the first lady, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu to wipe away the tears of vulnerable Nigerians is most appreciated. The feedback from across the country shows that her symphony is hitting the right notes among PWDs. 

“The All Progressives Congress, APC led by our result oriented and action packed chairman, H.E.  Abdullahi Umar Ganduje PhD is committed to championing the cause  of PWDs in Nigeria.  Hence, the party will continue to remain the darling of PWDs through strong and consistent advocacy for the inclusion and improvement of lives of PWDs at all levels. Indeed, our amiable National chairman is not joking, but working!”

Speaking further, he called on the Federal Government to conduct a credible census capable of capturing the true data of the citizens, especially the PWDs.

“An African adage that says: “You can’t shave the hair on a man’s head in his absence” further corroborates the focus of this year’s call to actions. 

“First of the seventeen goals is zero poverty. According, to UN data, In 2020, the number of people living in extreme poverty  (living on less than USD 2.15 a day) rose to 724 million. It is also accurate to say, that people with disabilities are the worst hit. Those living in extreme poverty mostly PWDs will struggle more to fulfill the most basic needs (health, education, access to water and sanitation).

“The second is zero hunger, In 2022, about 9.2 per cent of the world population was facing chronic hunger, equivalent to about 735 million people. 122 million more than in 2019. Hunger and malnutrition are barriers to sustainable development because hungry people are less productive, more prone to disease, and less able to improve their livelihoods.

 “While we appreciate the ongoing distribution of palliatives and  social inclusion programmes, the best approach to end hunger must be a permanent measure that will improve the earning abilities of Persons With Disabilities as against ad-hoc succour.  

“According to the United Nations Development Programme; “The 1.3 billion persons with disabilities worldwide are amongst those who are most negatively affected by this limited progress. 

“That includes continued exclusion from public goods and services and high levels of discrimination.

“To deliver the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities, disability inclusion must be embedded across every dimension of development, the UNDP submitted.

“From this bold submission, I call on the Federal Government to make a definite statement on the conduct of Census because producing better data on disability inclusion is vital to deliver the greatest impact.” Bankole stated.

Commending the Federal Government for an improved security situation across the country, he urged government at all levels to prioritize the inclusivity of PWDs in their governance.

“Let me commend the federal government on its achievement on security since the past few months. The security situation is looking better and this must  be sustained.

“I salute the doggedness and resilience of the armed forces in combating  insecurity.  We encourage the government to do more in supporting the families of all our fallen heroes. The retention and sustainability of the Nigerian nation is the business of all. 

“Permit me to use this opportunity to appreciate our family members, friends, supporters, caregivers and the media for the invaluable push and sacrifices on PWDs inclusions.

“Finally, I celebrate all PWDs  for their resilience and doggedness. No doubt we are people with  determination  not disability. The brighter tomorrow envisioned in the SDGs is one that must be co-created.

“Therefore, government at all levels, private sector and all well meaning individuals must heed the call of the disability movement: ‘Nothing about us, without us.’” He said.