The Chief Executive Officer of the Pa Philip Akintoye Development Foundation (PAPADEF), Mr Akintoye Festus, has called on governments, institutions and citizens to promote inclusive development for persons with disabilities through innovation and accessibility.
Akintoye made the call in a statement to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually to promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
He said the day reminds the world of its responsibility to build societies where everyone, regardless of physical or mental condition, could live with dignity, equal opportunity and full inclusion.
According to him, PAPADEF does not see disability as a personal weakness but as a condition shaped by the environment, government policies and societal attitudes.
Akintoye said: “our mission is to promote equal opportunity, empower vulnerable people and support inclusive development that leaves no one behind.”
Quoting United Nations data, Akintoye said over one billion people globally live with one form of disability, while the World Health Organisation estimates that about 15 per cent of the world’s population is affected.
He noted that many persons with disabilities still face serious challenges such as poor access to education, healthcare, decent jobs, social protection and political participation, as well as stigma and discrimination.
He stressed that disability inclusion was a matter of justice and human rights, not charity, and urged policymakers and citizens to remove all barriers facing persons with disabilities.
Speaking on the 2025 theme, “Advancing Inclusive Development Through Innovation and Accessibility,” the PAPADEF boss said the theme highlights the need to use technology, creative ideas and partnerships to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
He said innovation without inclusion is incomplete, just as development without accessibility is not sustainable.
He listed key areas for action to include accessible technology and infrastructure, inclusive education, innovation-driven livelihoods, disability-friendly social protection and strong rights-based laws.
Akintoye reaffirmed PAPADEF’s commitment to disability inclusion, saying the foundation has continued to carry out awareness campaigns, distribute assistive devices, support inclusive education, and run empowerment and skills programmes across communities.
He also said the foundation works closely with government bodies, private organisations and disability-focused groups to promote equal opportunities.
He called on Nigerians to challenge harmful stereotypes, build accessible environments, support families and caregivers, promote leadership among persons with disabilities and push for stronger laws and better enforcement.
Akintoye said inclusion benefits everyone and makes society stronger, more productive and more compassionate.
He praised persons with disabilities in Nigeria and around the world for their strength, resilience and contributions to society.
“Your voices strengthen democracy. Your dreams show what is possible,” he said.
He reaffirmed PAPADEF’s commitment to working with individuals, institutions and government at all levels to build a future where innovation meets accessibility and every person can reach their full potential