OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Pa Philip Akintoye Development Foundation (PAPADEF) has called on governments, institutions and citizens to promote inclusive development for persons with disabilities through innovation and improved accessibility.
The foundation’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akintoye Festus, made the call in a statement issued to mark the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
Festus said the observance serves as a reminder of the global responsibility to build societies where people, regardless of physical or mental condition, can live with dignity, enjoy equal opportunities and participate fully in social life.
He stressed that disability should not be viewed as a personal limitation but as a condition shaped by environmental factors, government policies and societal attitudes.
“Our mission is to promote equal opportunity, empower vulnerable people and support inclusive development that leaves no one behind,” he said.
Quoting data from the United Nations, Festus noted that more than one billion people worldwide live with one form of disability, while the World Health Organisation estimates that about 15 per cent of the global population is affected.
He said many persons with disabilities continue to face challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, decent employment, social protection and political participation, as well as stigma and discrimination.
Festus emphasised that disability inclusion is a matter of justice and human rights, not charity, and urged policymakers and citizens to dismantle barriers confronting persons with disabilities.
Speaking on the 2025 IDPD theme, “Advancing Inclusive Development Through Innovation and Accessibility,” he said the theme underscores the importance of leveraging technology, creativity and partnerships to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
According to him, innovation without inclusion is incomplete, while development without accessibility is unsustainable.
He identified priority areas for action to include accessible technology and infrastructure, inclusive education, innovation-driven livelihoods, disability-friendly social protection systems and the enforcement of strong, rights-based laws.
Festus reaffirmed PAPADEF’s commitment to disability inclusion, noting that the foundation continues to carry out awareness campaigns, distribute assistive devices, support inclusive education and implement empowerment and skills development programmes across communities.
He added that the foundation works closely with government agencies, private organisations and disability-focused groups to promote equal opportunities.
Calling on Nigerians to challenge harmful stereotypes, Festus urged greater efforts to create accessible environments, support families and caregivers, promote leadership among persons with disabilities and strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms.
He said inclusion benefits society as a whole, making it stronger, more productive and more compassionate.
Festus also commended persons with disabilities in Nigeria and globally for their resilience and contributions to society, reaffirming PAPADEF’s commitment to collaborating with individuals, institutions and governments to build a future where innovation meets accessibility and everyone can realise their full potential.