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By: Julian Adetinuyo
TAF Africa, a leading disability rights advocate, has launched a six-month internship program designed to embed disability advocates within Nigeria’s legislative framework, enhancing the inclusion of disability rights in policy-making.
The program launched in Abuja, will assign ten trained advocates to key committees in the National Assembly, where they will gain hands-on experience and advocate for policies that prioritize accessibility.
Speaking on legislature in Nigeria: An overview, a legislative expert Benjamin Ekeyi, emphasized the urgent need for leaders to understand and champion the equal rights of people with disabilities.
“Many Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions, have yet to recognize that individuals with disabilities possess equal rights and opportunities,” Ekeyi stated.
He stressed the importance of inclusive governance and highlighted the potential of people with disabilities to succeed alongside their able-bodied peers.
Adeolu Kilanko, the program manager of TAF Africa, explained that the interns will focus on sectors critical to accessibility, such as education, healthcare, and transportation, ensuring that policies in these areas reflect the needs of people with disabilities
“The knowledge gained will equip them to advocate for policies that align with the 2018 Disabilities Act, which mandates that 5% of public sector jobs be reserved for disabled individuals—a requirement that has yet to be fully enforced. “This effort aligns policy with disability rights, creating a more inclusive Assembly,” Kilanko affirmed.
Aver Akighir, one of the legislative interns, noted that TAF Africa has been at the forefront of initiatives that empower and support the disability community.
She expressed hope that the internship program would clarify existing policies and promote greater advocacy. “I’m keen to understand the reasoning behind certain legislative actions and whether there’s room for improvement,” Akighir remarked, underlining the need for enhanced support for the House Chair Committee on Disability.
Participants at the event expressed optimism that the program would facilitate meaningful change in disability rights advocacy.
As TAF Africa continues its mission to empower individuals with disabilities, the organization remains hopeful that this initiative will drive significant policy changes, ensuring that the rights and aspirations of disabled persons are fully integrated into Nigeria’s governance framework.
This initiative was funded by the European Union through its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSGDN II) Programme
Written by: Democracy Radio
#NASS House of Representative Committee on Disability Inclusion NAPWD PWDs TAF Africa
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