By Chuks Nwosu
Various governments in Nigeria and Nigerians have been called upon to support fellow human beings that are living with disabilities.
This call was made by the National Secretary of the association, Her Eminence Amb (Dr). Chinaza Jennifer Ugboaja during a program organized in Lagos for people with disabilities.
Chairman/Chief Executive, Chikason Group, His Eminence, Lord Lord Mayor Alexander Chika Okafor, who chaired the occasion
The program which had over 300 persons living with disabilities, 150 widows, and 3 orphanage homes was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Heart of Gold Charity Foundations, Peculiar Voice of Hope, International Face of Integrity (Nigeria Chapter) IAWPA, and Chicason Group.
A cross-section of the disabled poses for a group photograph during the occasion
In commemorating this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the International Association of World Peace Advocates, Lagos State Chapter, Nigeria, and Heart of Gold Charity Foundations, while marking the day in a grand style, called on the government and kind-hearted Nigerians to support humanitarian services for those living with disabilities.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3. It is aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. This year’s theme, “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” highlighted the importance of empowering persons with disabilities to take leadership roles in promoting inclusivity and sustainability.
The deaf and deaf group showing love sign at the event
The event coincided with the first presentation of the public appearance of His Eminence, Lord Mayor Alexander Chika Okafor, OFR as the International Lord Mayor of Peace.
Lord Mayor Alexander Chika Okafor is the Chairman and Chief Executive of Chikason Group of Companies. He was the chairman of the occasion but was ably represented by his personal assistant, Dr. Tony Alaku. He expressed happiness of his boss to have first hand contact with these ‘special people’ saying it has afforded them the opportunity to provide a shoulder for them to lean on.
Her Eminence, Amb Dr Jennifer Chinaza Ugboaja and Mrs Uchenna Ofomata during the event
The convener of Voices of Hope, Mrs Uchenna Ofomata, said she has noted the various needs of the vulnerable People With Disabilities (PWDs) and that this would proper her Foundation to plan and do more next year.
A House of Representative member, Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi MHR, representing Oshodi/Isolo, Lagos, represented by his SA, Media, and Communications, Adm. Mazi Chuks Nwosu, advocated for inclusivity of persons with disabilities in politics and governance. The human rights activist and lawyer stressed that physical disabilities do not equate to mental or intellectual disabilities. He cited the example of para-athletes who won laurels in areas where able-bodied persons failed, and therefore emphasized that persons with disabilities should not be marginalized in the workplace, education and employment.
Special Adviser on Media and Communication to Hon. Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, Mazi Chuks Nwosu,Mazi Chuks, presenting a speech during the occasion
The 2024 theme of International Day for People with Disabilities (IDPD), “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future,” emphasizes the crucial role persons with disabilities play in shaping a more equitable world.
