The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin Branch, in collaboration with ADEHABB Enterprises, on Wednesday held a Stakeholders’ Sensitization Seminar focused on the enforcement of the fundamental human rights of persons with disabilities in Kwara State.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the NBA Ilorin Branch, SMH Kosemani, Esq., emphasized that the initiative was birthed out of concern over the systemic marginalization of persons with disabilities in the justice system and other key public institutions.

He noted that one of the major outcomes targeted by the seminar is the creation of Disability Rights Desks at police stations, NSCDC offices, and the Ministry of Justice, to enable persons with disabilities to report cases, seek redress, and access justice without undue hardship.

Participants at the seminar, including persons with various forms of disabilities—the deaf, blind, physically challenged, and persons with albinism—openly shared their lived experiences of exclusion and neglect. A major concern raised was the absence of sign language interpreters in courts and hospitals. One participant narrated the ordeal of a deaf law student undergoing internship, who is unable to follow court proceedings due to lack of interpretation services. Others spoke of how they could not understand doctors’ instructions or prescriptions in hospitals, simply because there was no one to interpret for them.

In response to the complaint that many lawyers refuse to take up their cases due to financial constraints, the NBA Ilorin Branch made a firm commitment to provide free legal representation to persons with disabilities through its Human Rights Committee. The Chairman reaffirmed that justice must be accessible to all, regardless of their physical or economic status.

The seminar marks a significant step toward building an inclusive legal system in Kwara State, and the NBA Ilorin Branch pledged continued advocacy until all persons with disabilities enjoy the full protection and benefit of the law.

A. O. Ahmed-Aliagan Esq.
PRO, NBA, Ilorin Branch.