2025 Children’s Day Celebration: How NAPVID Is Championing Rights for Children with Disabilities”

On May 29, 2025, NAPVID (Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities) brought together children, advocates, educators, and policymakers from across Nigeria in a powerful virtual celebration to mark Children’s Day. But this wasn’t just a ceremonial gathering it was a bold, urgent call to take action to end violence against children with disabilities and to advance inclusive education systems where every child, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and empowered.

Held under the theme “Our Future, Our Responsibility: Ending Violence and Promoting Inclusion for Children with Disabilities,” the event was both deeply emotional and profoundly enlightening. It reinforced that the future of Nigeria belongs to all its children, and we all share the responsibility of ensuring they grow in safe, inclusive environments.

From Policy to Practice: The Realities of Inclusion

Executive Director Melody Omosah Esq. opened the event with a stirring reminder that Nigeria has strong laws protecting children with disabilities including the Child Rights Act, the Disability Rights Prohibition Act, and the Universal Basic Education Act. Yet, he stressed, laws are only as powerful as their implementation. He called for urgent action to translate policy into meaningful change in classrooms, clinics, and communities.

In her goodwill message, Uchenna Florence Nwokedi of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) underscored that inclusion must be intentional. Children with disabilities should be named and included in every developmental plan and child-focused policy. She championed the idea of inclusive “Children’s Parliaments” where children can advocate for themselves directly.

Creating Disability-Inclusive Schools

Legal scholar Dr. Anwuli Ofuani-Sokolo, Associate Professor Faculty of Law UNIBEN delivered a compelling presentation tracing Nigeria’s commitments from international treaties like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the updated 2023 National Policy on Inclusive Education.

She highlighted how inclusive education must go beyond access. It means individualized learning plans, adaptive technology, trained teachers, and peer-based inclusion models like classroom buddies. “Inclusive budgeting” must back these efforts with real resources. She reminded the audience that inclusive values must be embedded in every layer of the school system from strategic plans to playgrounds.

The Hidden Crisis: Gender-Based Violence Against Children with Disabilities

Dr. Faith Edebor, from the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Center, shed light on a heartbreaking and often overlooked issue: gender-based violence (GBV) against children with disabilities. These children face higher risks due to communication barriers, isolation, and harmful stereotypes. She stressed the need for safe reporting channels, community education, and cross-sector collaboration to protect children from abuse and to support survivors with dignity and care.

One of the most powerful threads running through the event was the importance of listening to children with disabilities. Their lived experiences, hopes, and fears are crucial to shaping truly inclusive and safe societies. Whether through child-led parliaments or inclusive school forums, giving children with disabilities a platform to speak is no longer optional it’s essential.

Looking Ahead: Turning Advocacy into Action

As the virtual celebration ended, one truth was undeniable: the inclusion of children with disabilities is not a favor, it’s a right. It’s also a societal gain. Every child educated, every voice heard, and every instance of violence prevented brings Nigeria closer to a just and equitable future.

NAPVID’s 2025 Children’s Day event was more than a celebration. It was a movement, a reminder that the journey toward inclusion requires us all. Teachers, families, government, and communities must stand united, ensuring no child is left behind. Because our future truly is our responsibility! 

Please find the guardian news report  and news track today report here…