…Says, Incident, A Wake Up Call To Implement Disability Act
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu has lamented the discriminatory incident against a Person Living With Disability (PLWD), Adebola Daniel at a KFC outlet at Lagos Airport some days ago.
He said, the incident sheds more light on the challenges faced by People Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) in Nigeria and the need to implement the Disability Act.
He made the remark while speaking on the matter at a press conference held at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
It could be recalled that, a person living with disability and Wheelchair bound, Adebola Daniel, the Son of Senator Gbenga Daniel was refused entry at a KFC outlet in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos where the manager allegedly told him that, “No Wheelchairs Allowed”.
Rep. Dawodu said, “This discriminatory incident, highlighted by Mr. Daniel’s public account, sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
“This treatment is unacceptable and goes against the principles of inclusivity and respect. And it is a violation against Disability Act.
“As the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, I strongly condemn such actions. Denying individuals with disabilities access to public spaces is not only disrespectful but also undermines ongoing efforts to implement the Disability Act. And the committee is duty bound to investigate this issue and other related matters”.
The lawmaker noted that, the case of Mr Adebola Daniel is one in millions of other unreported cases of such abuses and injustices against people with disabilities.
He added, “This will no longer be tolerated by the governments at all levels. Any establishments within shore of our country irrespective of owners’ status should take note. Enough is enough.
“The Discrimination against People with Disabilities Prohibition Act 2018, passed by the National Assembly, aims to safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities. However, compliance with this Act has been lacking since the grace period ended in January”.
It could be recalled that, the victim, Daniel had in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel, recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the Lagos airport
He lamented his humiliation by the staff of the KFC outlet and emphasized on the broader consequences of such discriminatory actions.
He said, “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria”.
Daniel had in a series of tweets on his X (formerly twitter) drew the attention of authorities to the systemic challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in the country.
In the series of tweets posted on Wednesday on his X handle, @DebolaDaniel, he recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport and lamented his humiliating moment and emphasized the broader consequences of such discriminatory actions.
He tweets, “Being disabled often rolls over my spirit, leaving behind a trail of shattered dignity and forgotten humanity. Nowhere more so than in Nigeria”.