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PWDs Need Improve Assistive Devices In Nigeria Airports – Don
A former Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Omololu Soyombo has emphasize that there is need for airports in Nigeria to have more facilities and assistive devices for Person With Disabilities (PWDs).
He noted that there are limited assistive devices at airports in Nigeria for persons with physical disabilities including leg and spinal cord injured, and also absence of same for the visually-impaired, hearing-impaired and persons with albinism, among others.
Prof. Omololu Soyombo, highlighted these while presenting a report on : “Accessibility of Nigerian Airports to Persons with Disability: Presentation of Assesment Result”.
The presentation was the outcome of a fieldwork of an empirical study conducted for the Coalition of Disability Organiations (CODO) from Dec. 10 to Dec. 21, 2021.
Making the presentation in Lagos, Soyombo, said that in spite national and international provisions for the assurance of the rights of persons with disability, their plight was further compounded by societal attitude.
“ People with disabilities are generally known to be disadvantaged in the society, and consequently suffer many deprivations, discriminations and denial of their rights.
“One important, but often ignored or under-estimated area of life where the rights of people with disabilities are flagrantly abused is in accessing facilities and services for the purpose of air travel.
“ The access of PWDs to airports and airlines facilities should be assured. As citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Constitution guarantees protection against any form of discrimination.
“The promotion of the rights of PWDs also in line with Goal 10 of the Sustainable Development Goals, as adopted by the United Nations in 2015, to “promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
“Despite Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation provisions and the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 provisions, that airport and airline operators shall provide facilities at the airports to enhance the movement of persons with disabilities and also ensure that no passenger is discriminated against on the ground of disabilities, PWDs still suffer so much violation of their human rights.
“ Reports of denial of air travel completely, as well as humiliating and embarrassing to the needs of PWDs exit and PWDs are sometimes prevented from travelling by air. ‘’
According to him, the study shows that where they are allowed to travel by air, they are often subjected to degrading treatment when boarding and de-boarding aircrafts as a result of absence of assistive devices that could help them.
He listed some of factors affecting PWDs access to airports to include poor arrangements, institutional deficiencies, oversight, as well as human, material, logistic and infrastructural inadequacies.
“PWDs experienced difficulty in getting on the aircraft, difficulty in climbing the stairs into the airport building due to lack -functioning elevators and ramps,
“Communication barrier, absence of sign language communication, absence of a Disability Desk at the airport, poor direction in the airport for PWDs, denied boarding, and of care by other travellers.
“Having to walk long distance to board the aircraft, having to be carried physically which was embarrassing and absence of dedicated seat for PWDs.
“Also, workers not taking wheelchairs outside the airport hall for PWDs needing wheel chairs and lack of assistance by airport and airline staff”.
He noted that those who said they had no challenges talked about assistance given by staff, having their personal aides with them, as well as issues relating to differences in the nature and degree of physical disability.
Proffering solutions, Soyombo said that travel information at airports should be provided in accessible formats (e.g. large print, bold print, audio and visual, use of sign language interpreters, etc.) for various categories of PWDs.
This, he said, should be beyond the use of Public Address Systems for announcements, which a person with auditory impairment may not be able to decode.
“Announcements should be made in multiple formats – verbally and visually.
“ There should be provision for the inclusion of information at booking point for PWDs to indicate their status and special needs for the officials to make necessary arrangements to meet their needs.
“Provision of adequate information to PWDs about services, facilities, safety, security and hazards within the airports should be widely available in different formats.
“ Special training should be organised for airport and airlines personnel involved in the provision of assistive services, including check-in staff, boarding staff, cabin crew, etc. on the needs of PWDs and how best to meet them.
“Capacity building on the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. This is to enhance the full implementation of the Act and service delivery of the Ministry on persons with disabilities.
“Ramps and hand-rails should be constructed at various parts of the airport for wheelchair users and easy access by PWDs.’
He said there should be accessible ticketing portals at airports for use by PWDs and other passengers as well as directional guides at airports for PWDs and other airport users.
The report also urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to urgently conduct an audit of all airports in Nigeria for disability facilities and provisions, with the full involvement of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and other stakeholders.
Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), made a presentation on “Disability Rights Act: Access to Airport and Nigerians with Disabilities’’.
Anyaele, who is the Convener of CODO, restated that the Nigeria Disability Act provides for the full integration of person with disabilities into the society.
“And establish the National Commission for person with disabilities and vests the Commission with the responsibilities for their education, health, care social, economic and civil right.
“Removal of all barriers against PWDs use of their services (institutional, environmental and attitudinal barriers.
“Airport authorities and airline operators could support the government in raising awareness on the rights of PWDs,’’ Anyaele said.
NAN also reports that the study was carried out in the six geopolitical zones including South West, South East, South South, North West, North East, North Central, Federal Capital Territory.
The airports included the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 and Murtala Muhammed Airport 1, Ikeja, Lagos.
Also, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu; Akwa Ibom Airport (Victor Attah International Airport), Uyo, Akwa Ibom; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport,Kano.
The Gombe Lawanti International Airport (Sanni Abacha International Airport),Gombe; Jos Yakubu Gowon Airport, Plateau and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, FCT Abuja.
… Raises concern over polygamy negative impact
… Says some men has over 50 children, can’t take care of them
By Abubakar Yunusa
The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, has advised men facing financial difficulties to limit themselves to one wife in order to better provide for and nurture responsible families.
He expressed concern over the negative impact of polygamy, noting that many family leaders are failing to fulfil their obligations.
During his address at the conclusion of the 30th annual Ramadan lecture of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), the Emir emphasised that while Islam permits men to marry more than one woman, this right does not necessarily mean that every man is financially capable of supporting multiple families.
He shared an example from his palace, where 192 families reside, with some men having more than 50 children. “How can someone adequately care for such a large number of dependents?” he questioned.
The Emir also called for changes in the Islamiyya education system to better incorporate teachings on the rights of girls. He believes this shift could lead to more progressive communities.
Furthermore, he criticised the judiciary for exacerbating societal issues, pointing to the case of a young woman sentenced to two years in prison over a small debt of N6,000. “When I visited the prison, I had only N200,000, yet I was able to secure the release of eight people,” he recounted.
The Emir noted that the palace frequently relies on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods to address challenges in areas such as marriage, inheritance, and land disputes, which he described as major sources of family strife.
In her remarks, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, called on the Ulama to encourage men to take greater responsibility in their homes.
She emphasised that many responsibilities have shifted to women, and it’s time for men to step up.
Meanwhile, Hajiya Nafisa Isah, the Amirah of FOMWAN Kaduna State, announced that the organisation is working on establishing a fully operational skills acquisition centre to empower both women and youth.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
Residents of Kachia/Kagarko Federal Constituency have pledged their unwavering support for their representative, Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, beyond 2027, citing his credible performance and commitment to the development of the constituency.
Speaking at a gathering of ward executives, stakeholders, community leaders, and youth groups at Mal. Agwai Gidan Mana Town Hall in Kachia on Tuesday, constituents praised Hon. Zock’s legislative achievements, infrastructure projects, and empowerment initiatives, which they say have significantly improved their lives.
Earlier, Hon. Zock hosted all ward executives of his constituency at the same venue, where a ₦30 million Ramadan and Lent palliative was distributed.
The APC Chairman, Kagarko LGA, Hon. Christopher Mailafia and ALGON CHairmen of both Kagarko and Kachia LGAs respectively, highlighted the lawmaker’s contributions to infrastructure, including improved road networks, better healthcare facilities, and educational support for students.
Similarly, Chairman APC Zone 3, Hon. Shehu Tafa, commended his efforts in job creation and youth empowerment, emphasizing that his programs have provided meaningful opportunities for young people.
“We have seen unprecedented development under Hon. Zock’s leadership, and we believe he deserves to continue beyond 2027 to complete the good work he has started,” said [Insert Name], a resident of Kachia.
Hon. Gabriel Saleh Zock, who is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, has yet to make an official statement regarding his political future. However, his growing support base suggests that many constituents are eager to see him extend his tenure beyond 2027. Political observers note that if he decides to contest again, he is likely to enjoy strong grassroots backing due to his developmental strides.
In his remarks, Hon. Zock reiterated his commitment to ensuring that party executives and constituents benefit from the ruling party.
“I understand your role in the party’s success, and I also understand that you are often under-rewarded,” he stated.
As part of his support for party executives, he announced a monthly stipend initiative, providing ₦10,000 for each ward executive and ₦20,000 for each local government executive. He further revealed that a committee has been inaugurated to oversee account openings and data collection to ensure a smooth commencement of the program next month.
Additionally, Hon. Zock assured constituents of continued support in agriculture, promising fertilizer distribution and other resources to enhance farming activities.
He acknowledged that the progress seen in the constituency was made possible through the support of key political figures, including Hon. Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Kaduna State Governor Sen. Uba Sani, and President Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Therefore, I urge you all to give your maximum support to the APC at all levels to ensure more meaningful development and dividends of democracy,” he emphasized.
As a gesture of appreciation for party loyalty, Hon. Zock announced car gifts worth ₦7 million each for his former ward councillor and the local government party secretaries of Kachia and Kagarko LGAs. This follows last year’s distribution of car gifts to the two local government chairmen and other party stakeholders.
End..
By Amos Tauna, Kaduna
A group, the Caleb Danladi Foundation has donated essential food commodities to the Muslim community in Kwoi, Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State, to support them during Ramadan fast.
The gesture was warmly received on behalf of the beneficiaries by religious and community leaders, underscores the foundation’s commitment to unity and compassion, particularly in times of spiritual reflection.
It’s Founder, Captain Caleb Danladi Bako, while presenting the items stressed the need for solidarity and kindness, expressing hope that the donation would ease the burden on fasting families.
Captain Bako, urged them to uphold the virtues of the holy month, emphasizing the importance of unity, compassion, and love, which he noted strengthens communal bond.
Religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Kwoi Central Mosque and the Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) in Jaba LGA, praised the foundation’s unwavering support and urged more individuals to embrace acts of goodwill.
Notable stakeholders in the community, Mr. David Tuk and Mr. Monday Gyubok, lauded the philanthropic initiative and encouraged others to emulate such kindness.
They stressed the need for continued support to vulnerable groups within the community, particularly during times of religious observance.
The event also carried an emotional tone as community leaders extended condolences to Captain Danladi over the recent passing of his father, praying for strength for his family to bear the irreparable loss.
With a track record of humanitarian efforts spanning education, youth empowerment, and community development, the Caleb Danladi Foundation continues to strengthen social bonds through acts of generosity and interfaith harmony.