I bring greetings to the peace-loving people of Rivers State and also welcome you all to another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that the special need of persons with disabilities is to be loved and accepted the way they are. This episode is in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which came up December 3rd.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
In the global effort to achieve the SDG goals, leaving no one behind, the statistics on disability remind us of the huge challenge we face as follows:
Over 1 billion people in the world have some form of disability (that is 1 in 7 people).
More than 100 million disabled persons are children.
Children with disabilities are almost four times more likely to experience violence than non-disabled children.
80% of all people with disabilities live in developing countries.
50% of disabled persons cannot afford health care.
People with disabilities are at much higher risk of violence.
Indeed research has shown that persons with disabilities, “the world’s largest minority”, have generally poorer health, lower education achievements, fewer economic opportunities and higher rates of poverty than people without disabilities. This is largely due to the lack of services available to them (like information and communications technology (ICT), transportation, etcetera) and the many obstacles they face in their everyday lives.
According to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, “on this International Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to work together for a better world that is inclusive, equitable and sustainable for everyone, where the rights of people with disabilities are fully realized.”
Let us listen to our guest speaker as he sheds more light on this subject. He is Mr. Itekena Altraide, Senior Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Physically-Challenged Matters. Please enjoy the episode.
Our generous people of Rivers State, please remember to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
From Her Excellency,
Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON. GSSRS. POS (Africa).
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below