Persons with disabilities (PWDs) have called for stronger inclusive measures to protect them from the growing effects of climate change and flooding in Nigeria.
The call was made during a lecture and public presentation of a research report on Disability-Inclusive Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Nigeria, with the theme, “PWDs as Agents of Inclusive Climate Action.”
The programme featured interactive questions and answers involving cluster heads and participants, who discussed how persons with disabilities could prepare for and respond to flooding. Discussions focused on monitoring weather forecasts, assessing the safety of their environment, taking preventive measures and contacting relevant emergency agencies when necessary.
Participants also emphasised the importance of involving the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Ministry of Environment, the media and other relevant agencies to ensure timely intervention during flood emergencies.
Speaking during the programme, the Acting Director of the CCD, Mr. Godwin Unumeri, alongside Blessing Ononogbu, CCD Umuahia, and Agomoh Rachel, Assistant Programme Officer, CCD Umuahia, spoke on various aspects of the research report, highlighting the effects of climate change on persons with disabilities and the need for inclusive climate adaptation and mitigation measures.
The speakers stressed that persons with disabilities must be actively involved in climate-change policies, planning and emergency-response strategies to ensure that they are not left behind.
Participants shared practical approaches to flood preparedness. Miss Chioma Precious Ekoro of the Visual Impairment Cluster said she would regularly monitor weather forecasts, involve the media and relocate to a safer environment when necessary.
Mr. Udochukwu John of the Intellectual Cluster and Miss Agu Patience C. of the SCIAN Cluster emphasised the importance of investigating flood-prone areas before choosing accommodation. They also advocated engaging SEMA, the Ministry of Environment, the media and other relevant agencies for preventive measures and emergency intervention.
Mrs. Glory Ukpong of the Physical Challenge Cluster said she would prioritise saving herself during a flood emergency while contacting emergency responders and people close to her for assistance.
Udochukwu Kanu of the Deaf/Hearing Cluster stressed the need for persons with disabilities to assess their environment, seek information from residents and monitor weather forecasts before choosing accommodation.
Miss Edith Osuagwu of the Visual/Blind Cluster highlighted the importance of preventing water from entering homes by addressing leakages and other vulnerable areas.
Miss Ukandu Onyinyechi of the Albino Cluster said social media, visible signs and personal networks could be used to call for rescue and draw the attention of government authorities during emergencies.
The discussions underscored the need for disability-inclusive climate policies and emergency-response measures that recognise the specific vulnerabilities and capacities of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
