To: His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria To: The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria To: The Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Subject: Urgent Call for a National Conference on Persons with Disabilities

We, the undersigned citizens of Nigeria, representing the United Disability Network and Physically Challenged Empowerment Initiatives, on behalf of PWDs in Nigeria hereby petition for the immediate convening of a national conference on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

For decades, successive governments in Nigeria have primarily resorted to punitive measures against PWDs, particularly those who engage in street begging. While this approach has failed to address the root causes of begging, it has instead perpetuated a cycle of discrimination and marginalization.

It is imperative to recognize that begging is often a symptom of systemic issues, including a lack of accessible education, employment opportunities, and social support services. To effectively address these challenges, we propose a comprehensive national conference on PWDs.

Key Objectives of the Conference:

Advocacy and Policy Development:

Develop evidence-based policies and legislation to promote the rights and inclusion of PWDs.
Advocate for the implementation of existing laws and regulations that protect the rights of PWDs.
Promote inclusive education, employment, and healthcare policies.
Capacity Building and Empowerment:

Provide training and capacity-building opportunities for PWDs and disability organizations.
Empower PWDs to become self-reliant and participate fully in society.
Foster leadership development among PWDs.
Awareness and Sensitization:

Raise public awareness about the challenges faced by PWDs.
Promote positive attitudes and behaviors towards PWDs.
Combat stigma and discrimination against PWDs.
Collaboration and Partnership:

Facilitate collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Build strong partnerships to address the needs of PWDs.
Encourage international cooperation and exchange of best practices.
We urge the government to prioritize the needs of PWDs and take decisive action to address the challenges they face. By convening a national conference, we can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.

#enoughisenough the status quo must change!!

Thank you for your immediate attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Mohammed Zanna 

 National Coordinator 

United Disability Network/Physically Challenged Empowerment Initiatives [pceiinitiatives@gmail.com