13th December, 2010
Nigerians from all walks of life have been blamed for the problems facing those living with challenges.
Dr. Femi Olugbile, the Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH), made this statement recently at a press conference to commemorate this year’s United Nations Day for the persons with disabilities.
Olugbile blamed Nigerians for their inability to provide a conducive environment such as education, recreational facilities and legislation to protect the rights of the disabled.
He called on all Nigerians to contribute their quota to alleviate the problems facing persons with difficulties and challenges.
“Education is a very major problem facing persons with difficulties and challenges .On the area of legislation, of course, we do not have effective legislation to protect rights of the disabled and to advance their interest.
“We are talking about the elevating the status of the physically and mentally challenged in our society and help to develop infrastructure, providing them with meaningful assistance in a token. Philanthropy is an actual necessity to fufill the promise to make Nigeria a better place to live for them,” the doctor stated.
Mr. Abdul Yusuf Rufai, initiator of Nigerian Professionals With Disabilities and Challenges, said it is mind boggling that in this 21 century, building and structures are still being erected without consideration for persons with disabilities.
Rufai also called on Nigerians to change their mind-set and behaviour towards persons with disabilities and difficulties.
While urging all tiers of government in the country to commence implementation of the United Nations best practices and behavour towards persons with disability, with special needs, with challenges. These, he said, include acknowledging their existence, engaging them on equal terms protecting and enforcing their rights as well as integrating them fully and reward them accordingly.
—Paul Sanusi
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