By Godwin-Maria Utuedoye
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State have been urged to fully exercise their franchise in the upcoming general elections and demand accessible, inclusive voting arrangements and the completion of Form EC40H at polling units
The sensitisation programme, organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation TAF Africa, (formerly the Albinism Foundation), brought together all PWDs in Ughelli North to educate them on their voting rights, available assistance at polling units and the importance of documenting their participation.
Speaking at the event, TAF Africa Programme Manager Dr Andrew Adaji, said the group was in Delta to walk PWDs through the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines and encourage massive turnout. He stressed that PWDs must insist that INEC officials complete the EC40H form at polling units, describing it as critical for capturing how many disabled voters actually participated in the election.
Adaji added that TAF Africa is engaging INEC to ensure deaf voters receive adequate support, including deployment of sign-language interpreters where needed, while noting that INEC already provides magnifying glasses for low-vision voters and Braille materials for blind voters.
According to Adaji, beyond voting TAF Africa is engaging security agencies over the safety of PWDs on election day, with the organisation’s Abuja team holding discussions with the Inspector-General of Police and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on security challenges affecting disabled voters, noting that TAF Africa has been working with disability groups and stakeholders to improve inclusion, access to opportunities and social support. The organisation has previously supported PWDs in Delta with assistive devices such as artificial limbs and wheelchairs, and has also conducted mapping exercises to identify persons who can benefit from skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.
On his part, Chairman of the National Association of People With Disabilities (PWD), Ughelli North Chapter, Comrade John Omokiniovo, said the association is working to identifying and registering more PWDs across the local government. He explained that, following a directive from the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs to develop a database of persons with disabilities, it’s members has went into communities to identify PWDs and distribute registration forms.
He urged unregistered PWDs to come forward, stressing that membership would enable them to access government and non-governmental interventions. Omokiniovo disclosed that some members had already benefited from local government employment opportunities, as well as social support and other interventions from NGOs and individuals.
State chairman calls for restoration of 5% employment quota
Meanwhile, state chairman of the association, Comrade Ernest Igbuzor, also commended TAF Africa for its sustained support, especially efforts to reach PWDs in remote communities who remain unaware of rights such as priority voting and proper use of the EC40H form.
He called for the restoration of the 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities in Delta State, maintaining that while national policy provides for 5%, the state law currently reflects only 1%. He described the reduction as a major concern and said TAF Africa has been at the forefront of advocacy for its reversal, even as the organisation continues to support PWDs through skills training, assistive devices and empowerment initiatives across the state.
The programme came to an end with renewed calls for greater inclusion of PWDs in the electoral process, employment, skills development and other areas of public life.