The All Progressives Congress (APC) has renewed calls for increased support, empowerment, and social inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), urging governments, private organisations, and development partners to take deliberate steps toward improving their welfare and participation in national development.
The appeal was made during a humanitarian outreach programme in Abuja, where party leaders and stakeholders distributed relief materials to members of the disability community as part of efforts to alleviate hardship and promote inclusivity.
Speaking at the event, APC representatives emphasized the need to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement policies that guarantee equal opportunities for PWDs in education, healthcare, employment, political participation, and access to public infrastructure.
According to party officials, persons living with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable groups in society and often face barriers that limit their ability to fully contribute to economic and social development. They stressed that creating a more inclusive society requires sustained commitment from both public and private institutions.
The outreach programme saw the distribution of various relief items, including food supplies and essential household materials, to beneficiaries drawn from different disability groups within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Organisers said the initiative was designed not only to provide immediate support to vulnerable individuals but also to draw attention to the challenges faced by PWDs and the importance of implementing disability-friendly policies across all sectors.
Addressing participants, APC leaders reaffirmed the party’s commitment to promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, noting that inclusive governance remains a critical component of national development. They called for stronger enforcement of existing disability laws and greater investment in programmes that enhance accessibility and economic empowerment.
Beneficiaries of the outreach expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as a welcome intervention at a time when many vulnerable households are grappling with rising living costs and economic pressures. Some recipients, however, urged policymakers to complement humanitarian assistance with long-term measures that address unemployment, discrimination, and limited access to essential services.
Advocates for disability rights who attended the programme also used the occasion to call for increased representation of PWDs in decision-making processes, arguing that meaningful inclusion can only be achieved when persons with disabilities have a voice in shaping policies that affect their lives.
The event highlighted growing efforts by political stakeholders and civil society groups to promote disability inclusion and ensure that vulnerable populations are not left behind in the country’s development agenda.
As Nigeria continues to pursue broader social and economic reforms, stakeholders say empowering persons with disabilities through targeted support, accessible infrastructure, and equal opportunities will be crucial to building a more inclusive and equitable society.
