In a bid to ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are fully involved in selecting the next Governor of Ekiti State on June 20, a non-governmental organization, the All Rights Foundation (TAF Africa), has announced plans to deploy 25 language interpretation experts to provide assistance for PWDs during the election.
Deployment of Experts for Inclusive Voting
Speaking in Ado-Ekiti at the grand finale of its week-long activities ahead of the gubernatorial election, the Programme Manager of the project, Dr. Andrew Adaji, explained that the deployment of experts is driven by the need to enable every individual of electoral age to participate in the exercise without any hindrance. He stated that those selected for deployment under the project “Able2Vote Community Outreach for Persons with Disabilities in Ekiti State” will serve as interpreters at polling booths, based on the pressing needs at each polling center. Intensive training for these experts has been arranged and will commence shortly.
Respect and Inclusion for PWDs
Dr. Adaji cautioned Nigerians, regardless of social status, to always accord PWDs the respect they deserve and to avoid stigmatization. He emphasized that PWDs account for about 25% of Nigeria’s entire population, contrary to widespread assumptions. He urged governments at all levels to create inclusive educational environments where children with and without disabilities learn together, with teachers trained to meet diverse needs, rather than maintaining separate special schools.
He noted, “It’s another great time and opportunity to meet with persons with disability and to have conversations around voting and enlightening them about their rights to vote and to be voted for. The major reason we are here today is to sensitize persons with disability to come out and vote in the forthcoming governorship election. After this, we will train our sign language interpreters and deploy them to polling units during elections. We have mapped polling units with persons with hearing impediments to assist them during the elections.”
Peaceful Pre-Election Period
Dr. Adaji remarked that while he has monitored elections in Ekiti marred by violence, this is the first time he has witnessed a peaceful pre-election period. He expressed hope that this calm will prevail during the actual election. He stressed that everyone is equal before God and that no one should be discriminated against, as physical appearance is a matter of divine creation. He noted that several million PWDs in Nigeria are of voting age, and in Ekiti alone, over 900 have already been validated, with many more yet to be captured. He urged those who have not completed necessary procedures with INEC to do so without further delay.
Participants' Reactions
Participants Ibitoye Helen and Ebenezer Ogunlade described the program as a wonderful initiative that has enlightened them about unforeseen circumstances surrounding elections, particularly those affecting PWDs.
