Mr. Festus Akintoye, Chief Executive Officer of the Pa Philip Akintoye Development Foundation (PAPADEF), has called on governments, institutions, and citizens to promote inclusive development for persons with disabilities through innovation and accessibility.
Akintoye made the call in a statement to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually on December 3 to promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
According to Akintoye, the day reminds the world of its responsibility to build societies where everyone, regardless of physical or mental condition, can live with dignity, equal opportunity, and full inclusion.
He stated that PAPADEF does not view disability as weakness but as a condition shaped by the environment, government policies, and societal attitudes.
“Our mission is to promote equal opportunity, empower vulnerable people, and support inclusive development that leaves no one behind,” Akintoye said.
Quoting United Nations data, he noted that over one billion people globally live with some form of disability. He highlighted that many persons with disabilities still face serious challenges, including limited access to education, healthcare, decent jobs, social protection, and political participation, as well as stigma and discrimination.
He emphasized that disability inclusion is a matter of justice and human rights, not charity, urging policymakers and citizens to remove barriers facing persons with disabilities.
On the theme of the 2025 IDPD, “Advancing Inclusive Development through Innovation and Accessibility,” Akintoye said it highlights the need to use technology, creative ideas, and partnerships to improve the lives of persons with disabilities. He noted that innovation without inclusion is incomplete, and development without accessibility is unsustainable.
Key areas for action, he said, include accessible technology and infrastructure, inclusive education, innovation-driven livelihoods, disability-friendly social protection, and strong rights-based laws.
Akintoye reaffirmed PAPADEF’s commitment to disability inclusion, noting that the foundation has carried out awareness campaigns, distributed assistive devices, supported inclusive education, and run empowerment and skills programmes across communities.
He added that the foundation works closely with government agencies, private organizations, and disability-focused groups to promote equal opportunities.
He called on Nigerians to condemn harmful stereotypes, build accessible environments, support families and caregivers, promote leadership among persons with disabilities, and push for stronger laws and better enforcement.
“Inclusion benefits everyone and makes society stronger, more productive, and more compassionate,” he said.
Akintoye praised persons with disabilities in Nigeria and globally for their strength, resilience, and contributions to society. “Your voices strengthen democracy. Your dreams show what is possible,” he said.
He reaffirmed PAPADEF’s commitment to working with individuals, institutions, and governments to build a future where innovation meets accessibility and every person can reach their full potential.
