Talking Inclusion with Laraba

03/12/2024

Today, on International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) 2024, we celebrate the leadership, resilience, and potential of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This year’s theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,”emphasizes the crucial role of persons with disabilities in shaping a more inclusive society.

As a passionate advocate for disability rights in Nigeria, I am proud to join the global movement in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Disability is not inability.

Persons with disabilities have the same rights, aspirations, and contributions to make as anyone else.

However, many PWDs in Nigeria continue to face significant barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and social participation.

We must come together to break down these barriers and create a more inclusive society for all. This can be achieved through concerted efforts to:

Promote accessibility in public spaces, schools, and workplaces

Support inclusive education and economic empowerment programs

Advocate for policies and laws that protect the rights of PWDs

Ensure the implementation of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 in all states

To the state governments yet to domesticate the Disability Act of 2018, I urge you to take this opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to a better life for persons with disabilities. Domesticating the Act will not only uphold the rights and dignity of PWDs but also contribute to the socio-economic development of your states.

Let’s join hands to build a Nigeria where every person, regardless of ability, can thrive and reach their full potential. Together, we can make inclusion a reality.

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities!

30/09/2024

Honored to Be Named an Ambassador for SDGs and Ecosystem Preservation

I am deeply honored to have been decorated as an Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals and Ecosystem Preservation, under the Ambassadors for Sustainable Development Goals and Ecosystem Preservation Initiative.

A heartfelt thank you to my boss, Emmanuel Ogbeche, for your unwavering support. Your presence, even on such short notice, means the world to me. Janet Salihu, I can't express enough gratitude—your love, sacrifice, and willingness to show up despite needing rest truly humbles me. (This is a special thank you ooo—no fish again! 😊)

To everyone who sent their congratulations—family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and coursemates—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your own celebrations are just around the corner!

As I step into this new role, I am aware of the tremendous task ahead. Together, let’s take on the challenge of SDG 13: Climate Action, working to address climate change and build a sustainable future for all. Your continued support will be invaluable as we drive impactful change.

18/09/2024

Small Wins, Big Hope

Today felt like one of those days where progress comes in pieces, but every step counts. I finally interviewed a key stakeholder for my report. It was a critical piece of the puzzle, and things are starting to come together.

However, when I visited another office, I hit a bit of a wall. Almost everyone there was unaware that there was a transition of responsibility from the previous organization to a new one.

After navigating through some confusion, I met a kind lady who was also not aware but was willing to assist me. She took me to another office. 

Unfortunately, the person I need to speak with wasn’t in, and it’s unlikely to come in Tomorrow . So, I’ll have to wait and hope for a productive meeting by Friday.

Amid all of this, something unexpected happened. As I was led to the lady’s office, she noticed that I had a wardrobe  malfunction—something I hadn't even realized. Without hesitation, she went around the office looking for a safety pin to fix it for me, a small gesture that meant so much in that moment.

It’s been a good day overall, though I’m still eagerly awaiting Friday for that key interview.

17/09/2024

Tracking Down Leads in Community Story Writing

As you may recall, I mentioned here the first week of September that I’m working on a story about a vulnerable community. I haven’t stopped seeking stakeholders to balance the story. Last Friday, I visited several offices to get responses, but it was a dead end. So, I decided to continue today.

After  Eid-ul-Mawlid Monday, Today Tuesday I dialed the woman of interest in my story, and luckily, she was on her way to the city center. I quickly scheduled an appointment with her. When I got to the first venue, I was given the wrong directions. I trekked to the second location, where I was told she’d be, as she was in a short meeting. But then, I had to trek back to the right location again.

When I finally met her, she was rushing to another meeting. Still, I explained what was going on, and she gave me a response. Stay tuned you’ll find out what’s happening in this community within the FCT. It’s going to be interesting.

While I was talking to her, some other key people related to the story came up. I was directed to their office, so I went there. However, the woman I met at the office wasn’t helpful at first. She told me she left her phone at home and couldn’t get the contact number of the person I needed. I thought to myself, this person isn’t invisible, someone here must have their number.

Then a tall, handsome man walked in, greeting someone else who was waiting. I turned to the woman and asked if anyone in the office could help me get the number. She finally raised her head and told the man to give it to me.

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