By Dansu Peter Barr. Emmanuel-Sunday Kappo Barrister Emmanuel Sunday Jogbeyon Kappo, Commissioner II of the Lagos State Audit Service Comm...
By Dansu Peter
 |
| Barr. Emmanuel-Sunday Kappo |
Barrister Emmanuel Sunday Jogbeyon Kappo, Commissioner II of the Lagos State Audit Service Commission, has called for the establishment of grassroots leadership training and empowerment centres for people with disabilities in Nigeria. Speaking in commemoration of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Kappo emphasized the need to unlock the potential of individuals with disabilities and foster an inclusive society.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” Kappo highlighted the critical role people with disabilities can play in national development. He expressed concern over the lack of adequate attention to their needs, noting the alarming statistics from 2018, which estimated that 25–29 million Nigerians live with some form of disability.
“We will be restricting our human capital potential if we fail to pay attention to people with disabilities. We must continue to drive the passion in them to the fullest. We must treat them with love, trigger the motivation in them, and make them have that sense of belonging,” Kappo stated.
Advocating for Grassroots Action
Kappo proposed the creation of a “Department for Special People” at the grassroots level across the country, tasked with overseeing training and empowerment centres. These centres, he suggested, should be fully equipped to cater to the diverse needs of people with disabilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society.
“Under this department, training and empowerment centres fully equipped should be created for them. We will be doing our collective humanity a great favor if we can pay attention to them,” he added.
A Call to End Discrimination
Addressing the social challenges faced by people with disabilities, such as stigma, unemployment, and social isolation, Kappo underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment that nurtures their talents and aspirations.
The United Nations, through its Department of Economic and Social Affairs, also echoed this sentiment, advocating for stronger leadership roles for people with disabilities as part of a sustainable future.
Champion for Inclusivity
Kappo, known for his passion for localizing global initiatives, stressed that the inclusion of people with disabilities is not just a moral obligation but a critical step toward harnessing the full potential of Nigeria’s human capital.
As the world marks this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Kappo’s advocacy highlights the urgent need for policy reforms and community-driven solutions to support this often-overlooked segment of the population.
No comments