Rhodes-Vivour Advocates More Involvement for PWDs in Governance

Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Lagos State in 2023, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, has stressed the need for the inclusion of People With Disabilities in governance and policy formulations.

Rhodes-Vivour stated this during the solidarity visit of PWDs who are members of the Labour Party at his office in Lekki.

He stated that the visit was to listen to and provide palliatives for them given the economic situation in the country and give them some sense of belonging.

Rhodes-Vivour stated that people with disabilities don’t need sympathy but empathy, adding that they should be considered in every sector.

He said: “For democracy to thrive, we need to have an inclusive society and what that means is that there is a need for inclusion of persons with Disabilities. The government must provide an enabling environment for them to thrive.

“Going forward, we need to be deliberate about inclusive reportage and accountability. There is a need to hold the government accountable for the lack of inclusion of this classification of people.

“I was happy to read about how the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) returned money paid by visually-challenged candidates for the purchase of their registration documents. This is a welcome development, as this will allow for more inclusivity, thereby allowing them to build their capacity without having to worry about money.

“But I feel that there is always more that can be done. For instance, bringing them onboard governance and policy formulations.”

  Coordinator, Members of LP PWD, Emmanuel Gabriel lamented non-inclusion in governance, noting that there were graduates among them who were unemployed.

He urged the government to consider their plight, saying their situation calls for urgent intervention.

Gabriel applauded Rhodes-Viour for his constant support for them, saying his governorship aspiration would become a reality.