By Sylvia Akpan
The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa has carried out a sensitization exercise frowning against discrimination against Persons With Disabilities in public, private sector and in governance in Cross River State.
In an event held in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, facilitated by Dr. Owoade Philip Adeleke, the Foundation also sued for equal inclusion of PWD in the State.
He noted that discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, education, and accommodation among others are now criminal offenses; clinging to Disabilities act, 2019, and Disability Rights Law.
In his presentation, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Jake Epele said the foundation is passionate about Cross River State because of the establishment of a project that speaks with inclusivity in a very important area which the State has done well by embracing the project.
“We’ve developed the guidelines for inclusive election and we are working with the office of the Secretary to the Government and para adventure, we would also work directly with the Governor. He has shown tremendous interest in what we are doing and at the end of the day, we would push and break the seal for inclusivity using this State as a role model.
“When it comes to implementation, the government can produce a framework to implement a particular law. It is the critical stakeholders that implement and that’s why we are walking directly with critical stakeholders and robbing minds with them, exposing them to the best practice when it comes to implementation.”
The State Coordinator, Advocacy for Women With Disability Initiative, Cross River State, Iquo Mkpang, expressed optimism that the government of Governor Bassey Otu will work with people with disability; first by implementing the Disability Bill passed into law by former Governor Ben Ayade.
The interactive session had questions and answers as well as group work presentations by participants.
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