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| National Leader, Persons with Disabilities, All Progressives Congress, Hon. Tolu Bankole |
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, Hon. Tolu Bankole, the National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, PWDs, under the All Progressives Congress APC, has issued a call for a more inclusive society.
In a press statement signed by Bankole, He stated the importance of inclusion, especially for persons with disabilities, in shaping the country’s future.
Bankole expressed pride in the nation’s journey since independence
He said, "As we commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I extend warm felicitations to all Nigerians. We celebrate not only our nation’s rich history but also the progress we have made in ensuring a more inclusive and equitable society.”
However, He acknowledged the pressing economic challenges affecting many Nigerians, particularly PWDs.
“We cannot ignore the current economic challenges facing our country. Many Nigerians are grappling with inflation, rising costs of living, and economic uncertainty. These are tough times, and Persons With Disabilities feel the full weight of these hardships,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Bankole maintained an optimistic outlook, calling for resilience and unity among Nigerians. He urged citizens to have faith in ongoing reforms, which he believes are laying the groundwork for a more prosperous future.
“In the face of these temporary discomforts, we must remain optimistic. The ongoing reforms, though difficult, are necessary steps toward stabilizing the economy and laying the groundwork for a prosperous future. I urge every Nigerian to hold on to hope and have faith in the resilience of our nation. With determination and unity, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger, with an economy that works for all,” he said.
Reflecting on the journey of PWDs in Nigeria, Bankole highlighted the significant progress made in advocating for their rights, particularly since the enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2019.
“In reflecting on our journey, the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria have evolved tremendously. From years of marginalization to being recognized as an integral part of the nation’s development, PWDs have come a long way. The enactment of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2019 remains a watershed moment in our quest for inclusion,” he said.
Bankole also expressed appreciation for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration’s efforts to promote inclusivity, particularly through the Renewed Hope agenda.
“On this special occasion, I must extend our deepest appreciation to the APC-led government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for prioritizing inclusivity in governance. President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the well-being of PWDs through progressive policies and initiatives,” he stated, commending the government's work in expanding social intervention programs and improving access to essential services for PWDs.
While praising these efforts, Bankole stressed the need for continued focus on inclusivity across all tiers of government.
“As we celebrate, it is imperative that we call on all tiers of government—federal, state, and localto fully embrace inclusion in every facet of governance.
Our collective future depends on policies that ensure the full participation of PWDs in the economic, political, educational, and healthcare sectors,” he urged.
He further outlined the steps necessary to achieve full inclusion, calling for job creation and entrepreneurship opportunities for PWDs, political representation, and tailored healthcare services.
“Thinking inclusion economically means creating job opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship among PWDs. Politically, it demands more representation in governance, while in healthcare, it means providing accessible medical services tailored to the unique needs of PWDs,” Bankole said.
Bankole called for national unity and reaffirmed the importance of inclusivity in Nigeria’s continued development.
“Let us work together to make Nigeria a truly inclusive society. As we mark this historic day, let us remember that the strength of a nation lies in its unity and its ability to uplift every citizen. May Nigeria continue to flourish as we march toward a future where inclusivity is not just a policy but a way of life,” he stated.