As the world marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, FAME Foundation joins others in advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The Day, established by the United Nations in 1992, reminds us of the importance of understanding disability issues and supporting dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for all.
This year’s theme, “Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” highlights the need for collective action to remove barriers and create environments where everyone can participate fully and equally.
This theme is especially important as the world works toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Today, an estimated 1.3 billion people, about 16% of the global population, live with a disability, according to the World Health Organisation.
Speaking to the press, Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi, Executive Director, FAME Foundation, expressed her joy as the organisation marked the Day with the Inclusion Games at the National Stadium, Lagos. She reaffirmed FAME Foundation’s commitment to promoting inclusion and celebrating diverse abilities, she said,
“I am happy with today’s event. The Inclusion Games allowed us to celebrate different abilities through activities such as the 100m finals for visually impaired athletes, athletes with cerebral palsy, and the Deaf, as well as the Discus Throw for amputees and polio survivors, and the Shot Put for amputee and Lexul athletes. This is what inclusion should look like in our society.”
She added,
“This is the same principle that drives our HerSTEM Initiative. Through activities like the ongoing HerSTEM 2025 cohort, which provides digital literacy and basic computer skills training for women and girls with disabilities, and the HerSTEM Inclusive Tournament, we are creating spaces where they can learn, compete, and showcase their abilities. We are breaking stereotypes and showing that with the right opportunities, people with disabilities are not just included, they are leaders and contributors to social progress.”
Arabinrin Aderonke also emphasised the need for collaboration and systemic change, saying,
“Building a truly inclusive society requires all of us working together. We call on the government to fully implement and enforce the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018. We also urge the private sector, civil society, and media to invest in accessibility, champion inclusive policies, and amplify the voices and achievements of persons with disabilities.”
She concluded with a call to action,
“Our collective progress depends on our commitment to inclusion. Let us work together to build a Nigeria where every individual, regardless of ability, can contribute their talents and succeed. Disability is not a limitation but one aspect of our diverse human experience.”
As we mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2025, FAME Foundation reaffirms its commitment to raising awareness, advocating for the right policies, and supporting programs that empower persons with disabilities to fully participate in society.
