Adekola OJERINDE

The Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Ibadan, has intensified its advocacy for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons living with disabilities through a series of public awareness rallies held across Ibadan and Oyo town.

The rallies, which formed part of the organization's efforts to promote disability inclusion and combat discrimination against persons with disabilities, took the advocacy message directly to communities, markets, motor parks, and other public spaces where large numbers of people were reached.

In Ibadan, the awareness rally commenced from Iwo Road Bus Terminal 1 and 2 and proceeded to Alakia, engaging residents, traders, commercial drivers, tricycle operators, and commuters along the route. A similar campaign was also held in Oyo town, covering Owode Park, Akeesan Market, and Saabo Market.

The sensitization exercise focused on raising public awareness about the rights of persons living with disabilities and children with disabilities, while encouraging members of the public to promote inclusion, respect, and equal opportunities for all.

Throughout the rallies, JDPC Ibadan volunteers and advocates interacted with members of the public, sharing information on disability rights and challenging negative stereotypes that often result in discrimination, neglect, and social exclusion.

The organization emphasized that persons with disabilities should not be abandoned, marginalized, or denied opportunities because of their condition. Rather, they should be accorded the same dignity, care, respect, and access to opportunities enjoyed by other members of society.

The rallies attracted significant public attention in both Ibadan and Oyo. Many residents paused to listen to the sensitization messages, while traders, transport workers, and passersby engaged campaign participants in discussions on disability rights and social inclusion.

One of the notable outcomes of the exercise was the positive response from commercial drivers and tricycle operators, many of whom collected awareness stickers carrying disability inclusion messages and displayed them on their vehicles.

The stickers have continued to serve as mobile advocacy tools, carrying messages of inclusion and disability rights awareness across different communities long after the rallies ended.

According to JDPC Chief of Staff, Adenike Ibitara Esq, noted that while awareness about disability rights has improved over the years, many persons with disabilities still face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment opportunities, public infrastructure, and other essential services,  she stated that the campaign was designed to encourage communities to recognize the abilities, talents, and contributions of persons with disabilities and to foster a culture of acceptance and inclusion.

The organization therefore called on government institutions, community leaders, faith-based organizations, civil society groups, and members of the public to support policies and initiatives that protect the rights of persons with disabilities and promote their full participation in society.

The commission further stressed that building an inclusive society requires deliberate efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination while ensuring that persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to contribute to community and national development.

Beyond creating awareness, the rallies sparked conversations among residents and strengthened public understanding of disability rights. The widespread acceptance of the campaign's messages demonstrated growing community support for the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities.

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