Foundation partners FRCN to promote disability inclusion in Nigeria

A foundation, The Albino Foundation, has partnered the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) to air its weekly Disability Inclusion programme at 7pm on Saturdays.

Speaking during a press conference held at FRCN Conference Hall, Abuja Wednesday, the Founder and the CEO, Jake Epelle, said FRCN has been a high-yielding platform for promoting disability inclusion in Nigeria.

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According to him, the press conference was to mark this year’s FRCN Annual Lecture with theme “National Dialogue on Disability Inclusion”.

The event, which will discuss “The Imperative of Disability Inclusion in National Transformation”, is slated for October 14, 2021, at Shehu Musa ‘Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.

Epelle said, “Persons with disabilities in Nigeria are faced with a lot of barriers that limit them for effective and efficient participation in the socio-political and economic development of Nigeria.

“They experience negative attitudes at family and community levels, including name-calling, negative beliefs, and misconceptions surrounding the causes of disabilities.

“These negative attitudes manifest in rejection, neglect, loss of respect, denial of identity or self-worth, and often result in low self-esteem, depression and isolation.

“This, along with structural limitations and challenges, also reinforces barriers for persons with disabilities in accessing basic services such as education, health, public transport, and social safety nets.”

He said it is important that government officials, policymakers, and decision makers are aware of the importance of disability as a development issue and enhance data collection on disability.

He added, “A concerted effort to raise awareness surrounding disability issues would serve to shift negative perceptions and stigma against persons with disabilities among families and communities.

“It is my utmost belief that this Annual Lecture will go a long way in creating the needed awareness and bridge the gap that will mitigate the many challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”

Epelle appreciated the European Union delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS for funding the foundation’s project on Enhancing the Civic and Political Participation of Persons with Disabilities in the Electoral Process in two states and FCT and also supporting this event.