PARTICIPANTS of the Legislative Internship Programme (LIP) for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) have called on the government and stakeholders to ensure the full inclusion of PWDs in governance, particularly in legislative processes.
The call was made on Friday at a reflection meeting organised by The All-Rights Foundation (TAF Africa) in Abuja, marking the conclusion of the six-month internship programme for 10 PWDs.
The initiative, supported by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EUSGDN), aimed to promote disability-inclusive governance by enhancing the visibility and participation of PWDs in the National Assembly.
It also sought to build the capacity of young PWDs in legislative engagement and policy advocacy.
Mrs Omowunmi Ogundare, one of the interns who served with the House Committee on Basic Education and Services, described the experience as enlightening and a proof of the valuable contributions PWDs could make to national development.
“I want other PWDs to know that their disability is not the end. We have something to offer society, and this programme proved that,” she said.
Ogundare noted that, in spite of mobility challenges within the National Assembly complex, the interns remained committed to their tasks.
Speaking at the event, Mr Bashiru Dawodu, Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, represented by the committee’s clerk, Mrs Njoku Chinemerem, lauded the interns’ diligence, commitment, and intellectual strength.
“I took them to the House management and they were assigned to different committees.
“Honestly, they performed beyond expectations, were always present, eager to learn, and loyal,” she said.
Chinemerem noted that many of the interns outperformed their non-disabled peers and stressed the need for more opportunities for PWDs in policymaking.
“What matters is not physical strength but the brain. Many of them are intelligent and capable of helping this country grow.
“We must place them where they can contribute meaningfully.”
Mr Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), described the programme as transformative, empowering young PWDs to become active contributors to Nigeria’s democracy.
“The LIP has amplified the voices of PWDs in legislative spaces and bridged the gap between policy intent and inclusive action.
“Let us continue to invest in their potential, not as charity, but as a matter of rights,” he said.
Mr Jake Epelle, Founder of TAF Africa, said the success of the programme had broken down barriers in spaces previously seen as inaccessible to PWDs.
“My dream is that one day; some of these interns will become legislators.
“This pilot is only the beginning; we are scaling up to ensure more PWDs enter the National Assembly,” he said.
He also called for better representation of the deaf community through dedicated sign language interpretation infrastructure, including proper camera placement during plenary sessions.
“We must stop hiding interpreters in corners like parents hide their disabled children. Let us give PWDs the visibility and pride they deserve,” Epelle said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the internship equipped participants with skills in legislative processes, inclusive advocacy, and democratic engagement.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ongoing efforts to institutionalise inclusive governance. (NAN)
