Group tasks Govt, others on inclusive empowerment

Group tasks Govt, others on inclusive empowerment

By Fly Cable News

The Advocacy for Social Justice and Ethical Values Initiative (ASJEV), a Non-Governmental Organisation, has called on governments and the citenzenry to empower inclusion through access, participation and empowerment, in order to bridge gaps in the society.

ASJEV made the call during a Media Conference to commemorate the 2025 World Day of Social Justice (WDSJ) on Thursday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by ASJEV in collaboration with the Lagos State Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC).

The event was with the theme: ‘Empowering Inclusion: Bridging Gaps for Social Justice.’

The Founder of ASJEV, Mrs Jokotola Ogundimu-Ojosipe, said the aim of the conference was to amplify the message of bridging gaps in social justice for the security and socio-economic development of the nation through public enlightenment.

According to Ogundimu-Ojosipe, social justice is the fairness in the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society; ensuring that individuals’ rights are recognised and protected.

Ogundimu-Ojosipe, who was represented by a Board Member of ASJEV, Mr Babatunde Oshodi, said: “It is the belief that everyone deserves equal economic, political, and social rights and opportunities.

“It also assigns rights and duties within societal institutions, allowing individuals to receive the benefits and burdens of cooperation.”

She, however, said social justice had been a crucial part of international discussions for decades, while social injustice remained deeply rooted in Nigeria.

The founder of ASJEV said some of the challenges included widespread inequality based on ethnicity, gender, religion, and access to education and healthcare.

“Corruption, political marginalisation, regional conflicts, and economic disparities, which further limit opportunities, especially for vulnerable groups,” she said.

Prof. Onipede Wusu, Department of Sociology, Lagos State University, said to have a society where inclusiveness drives everyone, there had to be access, participation and empowerment.

Wusu said there was no social justice if the society was excluded.

He called for the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and a higher level of participation in all sectors of the economy.

“The blind cannot study the same way as those that are not study.

“When you create special spaces outside, they are being separated,” Wusu said.

He recommended that institutions and governments should provide facilities and tools that would help PWDs participate in families, healthcare, education, among other sectors of the economy.

Speaking on the challenges of PWDs, particularly Persons with Albinism (PWA) and dwarfs, Dr Babatunde Awelenje, said they experienced many challenges including, social stigma and isolation, discrimination in education and employment, and inadequate healthcare.

Awelenje, who is also the Chairman, Lagos State Powerlifters Association, recommended that PWAs be made to sit close to teaching boards and given papers with large prints because of visual impairment.

He urged the Lagos State Government to collaborate with the media, PWDs associations and NGOs to intensify advocacy and public enlightenment.

He further urged the state government to make healthcare accessible to dwarfs, either by reducing the cost or free treatment, to help detect diseases promptly.

Miss Bolaji Shoruwe, who is living with a disability, urged the state government to help ensure that transportation is made available and accessible to those with special needs.

NAN reports that WDSJ is celebrated annually on Feb. 20 to raise awareness and encourage global efforts to tackle critical issues including poverty, social exclusion, human rights violations, gender inequality and discrimination. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)