Stakeholders in the humanitarian sector have pledged to facilitate access to education, healthcare, and other essential services for individuals with autism and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The stakeholders made the pledge at a roundtable organised by the House Committee on Disability Matters on Friday in Abuja.
Chairman of the Sustainable Development for African Youth Initiative (SUDAYI), an NGO, Mrs. Victoria Jim, reaffirmed the initiative’s commitment to bridging the gap in autism services and support.
Jim said that the initiative would also ensure that those with autism and their families received the resources and care they deserved.
Correspondence reports that autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by repetitive, restricted, and inflexible patterns of behaviour, interests, activities, and difficulties in social interactions and communication.
Jim said that the initiative was founded to ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and community-driven solutions, aimed at guaranteeing access for every individual with autism to quality education, healthcare, and social services tailored to their unique needs.
According to her, over the next two years, SUDAYI will roll out a comprehensive autism management intervention focusing on training, education, and support for families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Jim also disclosed the organisation’s plans to establish partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders to foster awareness and acceptance of autism across African societies.
She emphasised the importance of collective efforts in building a more inclusive society where no one is left behind.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr. Mohammed Isa, pledged full support for SUDAYI.
Represented by his Personal Assistant, Ms. Lilian Ezinne, Isa described the initiative as a crucial step toward addressing the challenges facing young people in Nigeria and across Africa.
He said that the initiative aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises inclusivity and equal opportunities for all young people, particularly those with disabilities facing serious barriers in accessing opportunities.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to youth empowerment and sustainable development.
According to the presidential aide, sustainable development is not just a concept but a call to action, urging stakeholders to invest in youth education, ensure access to quality healthcare, and create avenues for economic empowerment.
He said that when young people were equipped with the right skills, resources, and opportunities, they would become key drivers of innovation, economic growth, and national development.
Isa assured of his commitment to working closely with the initiative as well as the House Committee on Disability Matters to ensure that no youth, especially those with disabilities, is left behind.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu (APC-Lagos), called for collaborative efforts to address the challenges faced by PWDs in Nigeria.
Dawodu said that the government alone could not effectively handle the issues affecting PWDs without the support of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders in the country.
*“We like to collaborate with NGOs and CSOs because we know that government cannot do it alone.
“The resources are not enough and oftentimes, these organisations are closer to the people who deserve the intervention the most,” he said.*
The lawmaker reaffirmed the committee’s openness to partnerships aimed at improving the lives of PWDs in the country.
He said that the House was considering amendments to strengthen protections for specific vulnerable groups within the PWD community, including women and children.
“The current sanctions are not heavy enough. The law does not adequately address the unique vulnerabilities of women with disabilities, children with disabilities, and those with intellectual or developmental conditions, such as cerebral palsy and neurodegenerative disorders. These areas need more attention,” he stated.
The lawmaker noted that the moratorium for implementing the disability law ended in January 2024, adding that enforcement efforts were now in full effect.
He urged stakeholders to remain involved and support the committee’s work in ensuring compliance with the law.
(NAN)