Project Enable Africa, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has said two out of ten Organisations would employ a Person Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
The Executive Director, Olusola Owonikoko, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with journalists in Lagos. Owonikoko said that people and Organisations needed to change their orientations when it comes to PWDs.
He said PWDs could work well and effectively when given the opportunity.
He said that foreign companies open up to them well because Communication was easy.
“Nigerians have not yet keyed into PWDs acceptance, they don’t respect the place of PWDs in the society. There are some places that you see sign that this place is for PWDs but able bodies Nigerian will not respect the sign and make use of the place.
“If a car park space, banking halls or public places are meant for PWDs, don’t use it but leave it for the intended user. Some don’t even put PWDs into consideration when erecting a structure or plan.
“Some jokes are offensive and comedians use it, some said albino is good for money rituals.
“How do you want an albino in your show to feel when you crack jokes that are offensive to him?
“Many of our airlines still have issues with PWDs, no consideration. Every Organisation must have a sign language at the front desk.
“It amazes you what a PWDs can do if given the chance and you look away from his disabilities,” he said.
The Executive Director said that Project Enable Africa NGO has took it upon itself to lift the cause of the PWDs and what it was doing was to trained and promote decent employment placement.
He said that this year, the NGO was investing a lot more in advocacy.
He said the NGO had trained and launched business support for PWDs in Nigeria through its different training and support programs.
Owonikoko said part of its programme is business support programme for PWDs, Disability Enterprise fund, DIAL Awards among others.
He, however, appealed to local employers to accept and accommodate PWDs, have computers that have inclusive working tools for PWDs usage.
The executive director also noted that if inclusive working tools for PWDs were duty free, it would afford more to work effectively well.
