FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat, World Bank Collaborate on Disability Inclusion
By: Olubunmi Labiyi
The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has initiated a critical step towards domesticating and fully implementing the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
Speaking at a three-day workshop focused on a rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development, governance, and public policy, the Mandate Secretary of the Secretariat, Dr. Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, emphasised the need for comprehensive strategies to foster a more inclusive FCT.
Organized in collaboration with the World Bank, the workshop brought together management staff and stakeholders across various sectors within the FCT, aiming to build technical capacity for effective disability inclusion.
Dr. Benjamins-Laniyi highlighted the Act’s significance, describing it as a pivotal piece of legislation designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their full participation in society.
“This workshop is designed to equip us with the essential technical knowledge, skills, and orientation necessary for the effective domestication and implementation of the Act. I am confident that the discussions over the next three days will yield valuable insights and practical solutions to the challenges we face in promoting disability inclusion,” she said.
She further reiterated her longstanding commitment to disability rights, noting that the recent establishment of the Disability Desk within the Secretariat demonstrates her dedication to addressing the unique needs of women and children with disabilities.
“This desk is dedicated to ensuring that the needs of women and children with disabilities are addressed, providing them with equal access to opportunities and services,” Benjamins-Laniyi added.
Expressing gratitude to the World Bank for its unwavering support, she assured participants of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s commitment to making disability inclusion a capital priority, aligning it with other critical infrastructure projects.
“Let us work together to ensure that the FCT becomes a model for disability inclusion and accessibility, empowering persons with disabilities to reach their full potential,” she urged.
Hadjia Majida Adamu, Special Assistant to the FCT Minister of State and Coordinator of the Social Investment Programme, praised Benjamins-Laniyi for her bold leadership, describing the workshop as a critical step towards an equitable society where every individual, regardless of physical ability, can thrive: “This aligns with the Federal Capital Territory’s vision of a progressive, inclusive environment where every citizen, regardless of ability, is empowered to thrive”.
Adamu also thanked the Minister of State, saying: “I sincerely thank the Honorable Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya (Dr.) Mariya Mahmud Bunkure, for her dedication and willingness to support social services, especially initiatives targeted at women and people with disabilities”.
Furthermore, The wife of the Ona of Abaji, and President of the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers, HRH Hauwa Kulu Ibrahim, praised the collaboration between the FCT Women Affairs Secretariat and the World Bank Group, calling the Secretariat the first in the FCT to create a Desk for People with Disabilities (PWD). She also stated that “Disability is in every hook of life, particularly when one gets old and may experience a hearing impairment, or arthritis, for instance”.
Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, a Disability Inclusion Consultant at the World Bank, expressed optimism about the Act’s successful implementation, given the diverse representation of government and critical stakeholders. He noted that the World Bank would provide technical assistance to develop the FCT Disability Policy and establish the FCT Disability Commission, further strengthening inter-agency collaboration for effective policy execution.
Similarly, Mr. Rex Irame, a legal practitioner and Chairman of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (FCT Chapter), emphasized the importance of implementation, warning that without it, the Act would lose its impact.
In attendance at the Workshop were wives of the Area Council Chairmen, FCT Joint Association of Person’s with Disabilities (JONAPWD), National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Religious leaders and representatives from various MDA’s.
With these strategic steps, the FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat is poised to make significant strides in ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are protected and that they can fully participate in every aspect of society.
