Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have urged federal and state governments to create reserved legislative seats for them, saying inclusive governance is vital to solving their daily struggles.
The call came during a town hall organised by News Central TV in Asaba, Delta State, which brought together over 200 participants, including policymakers, advocates, healthcare workers, and members of the disability community, to discuss the obstacles they face and possible reforms.
The event, sponsored by The Albino Foundation Africa, highlighted challenges such as poor access to education and healthcare, high unemployment, and weak enforcement of disability laws.
Isaac Odjuwu, President of the Initiative for Social Justice and Inclusive Development (ISJID), said PWDs must have a role in making laws that affect them. “You cannot make laws that affect us without us,” he said, calling for special seats in both the National and State Assemblies.
Several participants recounted experiences of discrimination and neglect.
Sola Idowu, a visually impaired teacher, said he has been unable to find a job since 2014, while Chinedu Uwabuofu shared that inaccessible facilities at Delta State University forced him to sit outside lecture halls.
The Asagba of Asaba, Epiphany Azinge, urged stronger enforcement of existing laws, while other speakers stressed the need to remove structural barriers and ensure equal participation for PWDs.
Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director of News Central, reiterated the organisation’s dedication to giving marginalised voices a platform.
