Discrimination and Injustice Against Persons with Disability

On Friday, May 2, 2025, Hitches and Voices on ITV/Radio 92.3 FM (GOTV Channel 140, Startime Channel 130) explored a landmark moment in disability rights advocacy in Edo State — Discrimination and Injustice Against Persons with Disabilities. This episode is part of a series sponsored by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD, with support from FORD Foundation.. The guest for this edition, Mr. Abuosa Henry, former Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), delivered a powerful message grounded in the belief that equality and inclusion are not optional, but essential.

Opening his remarks, Mr. Henry echoed the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr.: “An injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” He explained that in today’s world, inclusivity is a key marker of a truly civilized society. Discrimination, he said, strips individuals of their dignity, limits their potential, and undermines the values of justice and fairness that should define any community.

Mr. Henry emphasized that development cannot be fully achieved without inclusion. Excluding PWD from opportunities and participation hinders social and economic progress. When persons with disabilities are left out of education, employment, and decision-making, society loses the valuable contributions they can make.

While some rights of PWD are already embedded in the Nigerian Constitution, Mr. Henry highlighted the importance of the Disability Rights Law as an additional safeguard. He stressed that having laws in place is not enough — they must be enforced, and violators must face clear sanctions. Without enforcement, even the best legal protections risk becoming symbolic rather than practical tools for justice.

Education, according to Mr. Henry, is one of the most powerful tools for empowering PWD to reach their full potential. The law mandates free and accessible education for persons with disabilities, ensuring that learning environments are designed to meet their needs.

He also called for free healthcare for PWD, noting that many cannot afford medical services. Without adequate healthcare access, individuals face further disadvantages that deepen the cycle of exclusion.

Mr. Henry’s message was clear: combating discrimination is not just a matter of charity or goodwill — it is a matter of justice, equality, and national progress. Hitches and Voices once again provided a platform to amplify these truths, challenging society to rise above prejudice and embrace full inclusion for all.

📺 Watch the full episode here…