First Lady calls for stronger support systems for persons with disabilities

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Wednesday said Nigeria must deepen its commitment to supporting and empowering persons with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in national life.

The First Lady made the point in her message marking the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

She said a truly inclusive society is one that ensures every citizen, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, has the opportunity to thrive, contribute, and be meaningfully integrated into social and economic life. 

She stressed that Nigeria’s progress depends on guaranteeing equal access, protection, and empowerment for all.

“A truly inclusive Nigeria must ensure that persons with disabilities are supported and empowered to be independent,” Senator Tinubu declared, urging governments at all levels, institutions, and communities to strengthen policies and systems that promote accessibility, social inclusion, and dignity.

The annual observance, held under the theme “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”, serves, she noted, as a reminder of the nation’s collective responsibility to uphold inclusion and expand opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The First Lady said the 2025 theme calls for a renewed national commitment to accessibility, empowerment, and the removal of barriers that limit the full participation of people with disabilities. 

She emphasised that inclusion is not an act of charity but a critical pillar of sustainable development, social justice, and national cohesion.

“This day serves as a reminder of our collective duty to build a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive, participate, and contribute meaningfully to our shared progress,” she said.

Senator Tinubu extended her solidarity to millions of Nigerians living with disabilities, reaffirming the administration’s support for inclusion initiatives and ongoing advocacy to advance their rights and welfare.

Source: The Nation