Introduction
Disability awareness demands full understanding and recognizing the challenges, rights, and contributions of people with disabilities. The major goals are to promote inclusion, reduce stigma, and foster respect by educating communities about the diverse experiences of individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental health impairments. A strong demand f of disability awareness is empathy and supports accessibility in environments, policies, and attitudes.
Disability protection on the other hand refers to legal and social actions that safeguard the rights of people with disabilities. Protection involves acts that prevent or prohibit, discrimination in employment, public services, and accommodations, ensuring equal access and opportunities. Beyond the above protection also involves policies for reasonable accommodations, such as workplace modifications or accessible infrastructure, and social programs providing support like healthcare or financial assistance
Disability awareness and protection for security officers involve understanding the needs of individuals with disabilities and ensuring their safety, as well as protecting officers who may develop disabilities
Here’s a concise overview based on available information. Disability awareness and protection for security Officers will require Training needs(which help them recognize and how to respond appropriately to individuals with Disabilities),inclusive interaction(how to communicate clearly use correct hands, sign languages, assistive aid-mobility aid) cyber security awareness etc
The above are some of the reasons for the Centre initiatives to begin capacity development for Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps across Nigeria beginning from Ogun State command. There is also a Policy and Advocacy side of the project
DistinguishedGuests,
EsteemedPartnersfromtheCentreforDisabilityandInclusionAfrica,ValuedDesk Officers,LadiesandGentlemen, Goodmorning.
ItiswithimmensepleasureandadeepsenseofresponsibilitythatI welcomeyoualltothisimportantseminarthemed‘DisabilityAwarenessand ProtectionforOgunStateDeskOfficers.’
Thisinitiative,organizedbytheCentreforDisabilityandInclusionAfricain collaborationwiththeNigeriaSecurityandCivilDefenceCorps,OgunState Command,marksasignificantsteptowardstrengtheningourcollective capacitytoprotecttherightsanddignityofpersonslivingwithdisabilities withinourcommunities.
Assecurityofficersandcommunitystakeholders,wemustrecognizethat promotinginclusionisnotjustasocialdutyitisasecurityimperative.When webuildasocietythatacknowledgesandaccommodatestheneedsofallits members,wefosterpeace,equality,andjustice.
Theobjectiveofthisseminarisclear:toequipourdeskofficerswiththe knowledge,tools,andawarenessrequiredtorespondtotheuniqueneedsof personswithdisabilities,andtoensuretheirprotectionunderthelaw.Itis alsotoreinforceourcommitmenttoeliminatingstigma,discrimination,and allformsofabuseagainstthisvulnerablepopulation.
IcommendtheCentreforDisabilityandInclusionAfricafortheir dedicationtoadvocacyandpartnership,andforworkingwithusto buildamoreinclusiveandcompassionatesecuritystructureinOgun State.
Letusapproachthisseminarwithopenmindsandareadinesstolearn,so thatwemayreturntoourrespectiveunitsbetterpreparedtoserveand protecteverymemberofsociety,withoutexception.
Onceagain,Iwarmlywelcomeyouallandwishusasuccessfuland impactful seminar.
ThankyouandGodblessyouall. GodblessOgunState.
GodblesstheFederalRepublicofNigeria
Why we gather?
We are here this morning as a follow up to the creation of Desk Offices in all our divisions. And it is expected of us to have good and vibrant knowledgeable officers to handle the tasks that are expected of these offices
By creating PWD desk officers, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps can demonstrate its commitment to inclusivity and support for persons with disabilities.
At the end of this Seminar we are expected to have acquired the following:
1) Enhanced support for PWDs and more effective response to their needs.
2) Promotion of inclusive practices and policies within the organization
3) Strengthened partnerships with disability organizations and the community. I therefore implore all the participants to listen attentively to our able resource personnel for this laudable opportunity. You are also expected to participate fully in the Question-and-Answer section with the ultimate aim of running a successful office.
Thank you for listening.
GoodwillmessageofDrMichael,OgunStateJONAPWDChair
What a privilege to be here today! The state NSCDC remained a great promoter of PWDs issues and our collaboration with the unit has been mutually beneficial.
JONAPWD believes strongly that this capacity development effort, a collaborative effort between the Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa(which has become our-JONAPWD in Ogun State, partner in progress and Ogun State command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is a great step in the right direction especially as this is coming up after with the recent selection of PWDs desk officers across the State command.
JONAPWD and I believe that knowledge share and gained here today will help various officers at different Units within the state to effectively discharge their duties I must commend the State commandant of NSCD Commandant Remilekun Ekundayo, head of units of PWDs desk in Ogun State
State- Sc Mariam Osinfade for their commitment to PWDs rights, we can only ask fo rmore. For all the officers present, we commend your resilience and commitment despite the challenges.
SummaryofConversations
DisabilityAwarenesslectureforSecurityOfficers
- Yinka Olaito - Yinka Olaito
The lecture began with a series of questions that tasked participants on their present knowledge of disability awareness. Such questions like what comes to mind (imagery, word used, impression(etc) when they see a PWDs? Questions also delve into do you think the lives of PWDs must be fixed, does independence mean everyone must be able to move around without any support, do you see PWDs are abnormal persons, do they appeal to you as objects of pity and sympathy? etc
The conversation also covered what is disability and what it is not, misconception around it, disability pointers, features and classifications, It also shared the urgency for awareness in terms of PWDs population and its projections, types of disabilities in terms of cluster etc It further stressed the importance, unique features of each disability and how to support them. It ended with what Security officers, stakeholders must do now and ended with a strong call to action since we know Cost of disability negligence is high; the population will continue to grow. Population projected to be over two Billion in 2050, there is a need to continuously neglect cannot eradicate segregation and will not strengthen Integration.
-PROTECTION OF PWDS, WHAT THE LAWS SAY - BARR SALAMI ABOLARINWA
The laws is very specific about PWDs protection. The law does not discriminate against anyone as long as they are humans. The Nigeria law demands protection of every human being. For NSCDC officials to do the job right, they must understand the law. The Nigeria Constitution in Section 2 is very clear. Those who are saddled with such responsibilities must be upright in upholding such with equity in their approach. Protection of PWDs also has approaches. Protection of PWDs may require more than just the minimum.
For instance, there is no one size-fits-it-all solution. Take this case study, after closing hours of pupils in school, an officer may stop oncoming vehicles so that children can cross the road. But protection is not served to PWD pupils until the officer helps them cross the road by holding or supporting them in taking the action of crossing.
Ensuring equitable protection, Officers must understand the nature of disabilities of the person that they want to protect. During a crisis, the law is very clear. Needs are not uniform so during crisis and emergencies, PWDs must be prioritized Security and Civil Defence Corps must understand and be upright in doing their jobs by ensuring no one is left out in their approach to human protection. On children with disabilities, mishandling, dehumanization, harmful practices are classified as illegal which must attract reprimand.
ProtectionofPWDs, makingitwork -TreasuresUchegbu
We are not here for fun, we want to ensure there are measurable changes. To do this, we must be intentional. But beyond being intentional, we must understand it will be collaborative efforts if we must win. To make it work, we must keep learning and growing in every area that matters. Doing this well will contribute to including persons with disabilities which helps in strengthening fundamental human rights and contribute to development for all.
Based on a strong knowledge that Inclusion is not for the selected or privileged few but the rights of everyone, we need to remember when Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Officers do their work, they help to strengthen fundamental Human Rights, build stronger inclusive Communities, which builds Public Trust in NSCDC. But more importantly prevents further vulnerability.
To Make it work, NSCDC must uphold dignity in every interaction by treating all with respect, being patient, speaking directly to the person and remembering to always ask how can I help? Also, NSCDC must ensure basic access wherever you are as well as connect to support, build partnerships that work and offer active support and intervention Session ended with Martin Luther King’s admonition
“Ourlivesbeginto endthedaywe becomesilent aboutthings
Whatpeoplearesaying? What people are saying?
“Thisprogramhasraisedalotof pertinentissuessomeofficershad overlooked,Ileavewiththe knowledgetoupholdempathy insteadofSympathy.TodayI gainedbetterinsightsonhowto advocateforPWDsin oursociety.Theprogram enhancedmyknowledgeabout rightsofPWDs”-
DSCOlufisayoOjo,PWDs DeskOfficer,NSCDCOgun Statecommand
“Weappreciateyourexpertiseand knowledgesharedwillundoubtedly supportandenhanceourworkin supporting,protectingpersonswith disabilities”
-SCMariamOnifade,HeadofUnits, PWDsDesk,NSCDCOgun stateCommand
“Thisinitiative,organizedbytheCentre forDisabilityandInclusionAfricain collaborationwiththeNigeriaSecurity andCivilDefenceCorps,OgunState Command,marksasignificantstep towardstrengtheningourcollective capacitytoprotecttherightsanddignity ofpersonslivingwithdisabilities withinourcommunities.”
-CommandantRemilekunEkundayo, NSCDCState Commandant,OgunState
“T“Theknowledgesharedhad increasedmycapacitytohelp, supportandprotectPWDsinthe society.Ialsohadanenhanced knowledgeofPWDs rightsandhowIcandischarge mydutiesefficiently”
-DSCOlubunmi OlofesoStatecommand
“QuitealotIdidnotknowbeforeabout personswithdisabilities,Priorto nowImustacknowledgethewayIrelate tothemmaybewaybelow standard,NowIhaveabetterknowledge ofrelatingwithPWDs,Wemustbe voiceforthemandensuretheirrightsare notdenied”
-DSCAdeboju Adebayo,DeskOfficer,NSCDC,Ogun StateCommand.
AboutCentreforDisabilityandInclusionAfrica
Centre for Disability and Inclusion Africa (registered as Sage Initiative for Disability and Inclusion) is established to create an inclusive sustainable and transformative society across Africa. Though headquarters is based in Nigeria., its activities spread across Africa.
The Centre works in four key areas: Policy, Advocacy, Media PWDs rights.
The Centre through its policy work collaborates with stakeholders in agenda setting, promotion of accountability and implementation OF workplace and social inclusion, housing, health, education and transportation rights/protocols. CDIA continuously demands implementation of processes and strategies that leave no one behind. It also supports building of practical skills which can make this achievable.
