Tolu Bankole, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, urged the 774 local government chairmen across Nigeria to appoint dedicated supervisors for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in each local government area.
Bankole argued that this move would promote grassroots inclusion, especially now that local governments operate with full autonomy following a recent Supreme Court ruling granting them the right to receive monthly allocations directly from the federation account.
Bankole’s plea, issued in Abuja, comes amid concerns over the exclusion of PWDs from leadership roles within local government structures. He suggested that local governments appoint supervisors, ideally individuals with disabilities, to act as liaisons between the government and the PWD community.
This role would not only give a voice to the PWD community but also ensure that local government policies align with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, aimed at protecting the rights of PWDs and preventing discrimination.
“Local governments are closest to the people, directly influencing daily lives. However, many lack direct representation of PWDs in their leadership,” Bankole stated.
He emphasized that appointing supervisors for PWD matters would bridge the existing gap and help address issues of exclusion and stigmatisation within local governance.
Bankole concluded by calling on local government leaders and stakeholders to support this initiative as an essential step toward creating an inclusive society for all Nigerians.
CREDIT: Allneeds, THE PUNCH
RELATED POSTS: