By Sarafina Christopher
Abuja, May 19, 2025 (NAN) The Jela’s Development Initiatives (JDI), a non-profit organisation, has condemned the practice of taking advantage of People with Disabilities(PWDs) for personal gains.
Ms Angela Omeiza, the founder of JDI, spoke on Monday at the one-day training session on disability inclusion advocacy at the Government Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja.
She emphasised the need to treat PWDs with dignity and fairness.
Omeiza sensitised the students, including hearing and speech impaired individuals of the school, on the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act.
She said there was need to equip both disabled and non-disabled persons about their rights.
“The aim is to foster a culture of respect and understanding among peers and combat discrimination against individuals with disabilities,’’ she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project, supported by the Liliane Fonds and the Leprosy Mission Nigeria, aims to instill empathy and advocacy skills among students in inclusive schools in Kwali and Kuje for the years 2024 to 2025.
Omeiza said that the training was to emphasise the critical need for inclusivity and respect for people with disabilities.
She highlighted the right of every student to quality education and denounced any form of discrimination against those with disabilities.
Mr Umar Mohammed, the head of the Humanities Department in the school, stressed the critical role of advocacy in ensuring that students could access the protections guaranteed by the law.
He said there was need to create an inclusive environment, where individuals with and without disabilities could coexist harmoniously.
Miriam Ahmed, an SS2 student, shared her new found knowledge.
She called for the development of accessible public spaces to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
“There is need for elevators and assistants for those with mobility, vision, and hearing impairments,’’ she said.
Ahmed also advocated an end to bullying and discrimination, highlighting the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.
