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CHILDREN’S DAY:
EVERY CHILD HAS RIGHT TO DIGNITY, RESPECT AND OPPORTUNITY – ONDO DISABILITY GROUP
The APC Political Advancement Network of Persons with Disabilities has rejoiced with every child living with disability on the occasion of year 2025 Children’s Day celebrations.
The group celebrated the vibrant spirit, limitless potential, and inalienable rights of every child.
“This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Speak Up: Building a Bullying-Free Nation,” is a clarion call to action—a reminder that every child deserves a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment in which to grow, thrive, and dream”.
“Bullying remains a persistent threat to the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our children, both in physical spaces and online”.
“This toxic behavior is even more devastating when directed at vulnerable groups, particularly children with disabilities, who often face multiple layers of exclusion and discrimination. We must take a collective stand to affirm that disability is not inability, and that every child, regardless of ability, has the right to dignity, respect, and equal opportunity”.
The chairman APC Political Advancement Network of Persons with Disabilities, APCPANPWD, Comrade Segun Abimbola in a press release issued in Akure to mark this year’s celebrations urged parents, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to:
*Listen to children and empower them to speak up against bullying and injustice especially children with Disabilities who are being locked up at homes and denied the opportunities of accessing quality education.
*Promote inclusive education and awareness campaigns that celebrate diversity and dismantle harmful stereotypes.
*Strengthen laws and policies that protect children, especially those with disabilities, from abuse, marginalization, and neglect.
*Provide support services such as counseling, special needs accommodations, and peer mentorship programs.
The organization also condemned parents who are fond of using children with disabilities for alms begging in the society describing such acts as wickedness.
“Let us work hand in hand to nurture a culture of empathy, courage, and acceptance—where every child with or without any form of disability is heard, valued, and protected at all time”.
“On this Children’s Day, may our commitment go beyond celebration—let it spark meaningful action toward building a nation where all children, regardless of ability or background, can truly stand up, speak up and live free from fear”, the statement concluded.
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