The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) on Wednesday called on government, as well as public and private stakeholders, to collaborate in building an inclusive society for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The statement was made in Umuahia by the acting Director of CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
The 2025 IDPD theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” aligns strongly with CCD’s long-standing commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, participation, and empowerment of PWDs.
Unumeri urged governments at all levels to integrate disability inclusion into all policies, programmes, and development plans. He also called on public institutions and non-state actors to ensure the active participation of PWDs in the design and implementation of initiatives, stressing that policies must reflect their experiences and realities.
He further advocated for access to quality economic opportunities, inclusive employment, and increased political participation for PWDs.
“All public and private infrastructures must prioritize accessibility for PWDs. Transport systems, healthcare facilities, public buildings, communication platforms, and urban design must all be disability-inclusive,” Unumeri said.
He added: “Accessible infrastructure is not a privilege; it is a necessity for equal participation. Let us join hands in this critical journey towards equality, dignity, and social progress for all.”
