Appoint supervisors on PWD matters, APC cheiftain begs LG chairman

On Monday, Tolu Bankole, a member of the All Progressives Congress National Working Committee, urged the 774 local government chairpersons across Nigeria to appoint supervisors dedicated to issues concerning Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). He emphasized that implementing this recommendation would foster inclusion for PWDs at the grassroots level, especially now that democratically elected leaders are in place nationwide.

Bankole made his appeal in a statement released in Abuja, just a few months after the Supreme Court upheld the right of local governments to receive direct monthly allocations from the federation account. This ruling granted full autonomy to the 774 local governments, as outlined in the amended 1999 Constitution.

The APC leader, responsible for matters related to PWDs, argued that having dedicated supervisors in local government administration would enhance equality and help combat stigma. He remarked, “We have noticed that despite ongoing efforts and discussions, many local government structures still reflect a troubling lack of representation for PWDs in leadership and decision-making. To address this issue, we propose that each local government appoint a supervisor—ideally someone with a disability—to act as a liaison between the government and the PWD community.”

He pointed out that local governments are the most accessible level of governance, and their policies significantly affect daily life. However, many local governments currently lack direct representation for PWDs. An appointed supervisor, particularly a PWD, would provide a crucial voice for the community, advocating for their needs and ensuring that policies align with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018.

Bankole concluded by calling on all local government leaders and stakeholders to support this initiative, stating that it would represent a vital step toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.