NOA advocates inclusion of people with disabilities in climate action
The National Orientation Agency, Akwa Ibom State Directorate, has raised concerns over the vulnerability of people with disabilities to natural disasters, particularly flooding, and called for their inclusion in climate change policies.
The agency said people with disabilities face increased risks of death, displacement, loss of property and livelihoods during climate-related disasters.
The state director of the NOA, Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the call during a forum organised in partnership with the Centre for Citizens with Disability in Uyo at the weekend.
The initiative, held under the theme, “PLWDs as an Agent of Inclusive Climate Action,” was aimed at promoting the participation of people with disabilities in climate change discussions and policy formulation.
Mkpoutom said the initiative was designed to move people with disabilities from the margins of climate discussions to the centre of climate action and policy formulation.
He noted that people with disabilities were often among those most affected by climate-induced disasters, including floods, erosion and heat waves, but were frequently excluded from the planning and implementation of mitigation strategies.
Mkpoutom said the partnership with the centre was intended to bridge the gap, adding that mobility challenges and other systemic barriers could make people with disabilities more vulnerable during climate emergencies.
He said the initiative would soon begin with a statewide sensitisation tour of local government areas prone to environmental hazards, while urging traditional rulers, religious leaders and community-based organisations to support the programme and create an enabling environment for the full participation of people with disabilities.
