As Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, the All Progressives Congress National Leader for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) under the All Progressives Congress has called on Nigerians to intensify efforts toward building a more inclusive and equitable society.
Tolu Bankole in a statement he personally signed on Monday expressed pride in Nigeria’s achievements but emphasized the need for a future where no one is left behind, particularly Persons with Disabilities.
He highlighted the importance of creating an environment that embraces all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
Bankole also expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led administration for their unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
“As we commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I extend warm felicitations to all Nigerians. We celebrate” not only our nation’s rich history but also the progress we have made in ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society.
“However, we cannot ignore the current economic challenges facing our country. Many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, rising costs of living, and economic uncertainty. These are tough times, and Persons With Disabilities feel the full weight of these hardships. Yet, in the face of these temporary discomforts, we must remain optimistic. The ongoing reforms, though difficult, are necessary steps toward stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. I urge every Nigerian to hold on to hope and have faith in the resilience of our nation. With determination and unity, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger, with an economy that works for all.
“In reflecting on our journey, the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria have evolved tremendously. From years of marginalization to being recognized as an integral part of the nation’s development, PWDs have come a long way. The enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2018 remains a watershed moment in our quest for inclusion. This landmark legislation has laid the foundation for the protection of the rights of PWDs, providing a platform for advocacy, equal opportunities, and access to public services.
“On this special occasion, I must extend our deepest appreciation to the APC-led government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for prioritizing inclusivity in governance. President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the well-being of PWDs through progressive policies and initiatives. His Renewed Hope agenda has seen an expansion of social intervention programs, improved access to education, healthcare, and skills acquisition for PWDs. These efforts are not only commendable but a testament to the government’s recognition that true national development must involve every segment of the population.
As we celebrate, it is imperative that we call on all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to fully embrace inclusion in every facet of governance. Our collective future depends on policies that ensure the full participation of PWDs in the economic, political, educational, and healthcare sectors. We must build a nation where no Nigerian is left behind, irrespective of their physical or mental abilities. Thinking inclusion economically means creating job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship among PWDs. Politically, it demands more representation in governance, while in healthcare, it means providing accessible medical services tailored to the unique needs of PWDs. Let us work together to make Nigeria a truly inclusive society.
“Finally, as we mark this historic day, let us remember that the strength of a nation lies in its unity and its ability to uplift every citizen. May Nigeria continue to flourish as we march toward a future where inclusivity is not just a policy but a way of life.”