The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) on Friday called on governments at all levels to take action to end violence against children with disabilities and advance inclusive education systems where every child, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and empowered.

The NAPVID, comprising mainly Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) made the call in Benin during an event that brought together children, advocates, educators, and policymakers from across Nigeria in commemoration of the 2025 Children’s Day Celebration.

Speaking during the event, which was held virtually, with the theme “Our Future, Our Responsibility: Ending Violence and Promoting Inclusion for Children with Disabilities,” Executive Director NAPVID, Barr. Melody Omosah said that the future of Nigeria belongs to all its children, saying, “We all share the responsibility of ensuring they grow in safe, inclusive environments.”

He called for a bold, urgent action to end violence against children with disabilities as well as a commitment to advance an inclusive education system for all, where every child, regardless of ability, is seen, heard, and empowered.

Omosah noted that Nigeria has strong laws protecting children with disabilities, including the Child Rights Act, the Disability Rights Prohibition Act, and the Universal Basic Education Act, but stressed that the laws are only as powerful if backed by implementation.

He called for urgent action to translate policy into meaningful change in classrooms, clinics, and communities.

In her goodwill message, Uchenna Florence Nwokedi of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme (RoLAC) underscored that inclusion must be intentional.

According to RoLAC, children with disabilities should be named and included in every developmental plan and child-focused policy.

She championed the idea of inclusive “Children’s Parliaments” where children can advocate for themselves directly.

A university don and Legal scholar, Dr. Anwuli Ofuani-Sokolo, from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) delivered a presentation tracing Nigeria’s commitments from international treaties like the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the updated 2023 National Policy on Inclusive Education.

She highlighted how inclusive education must go beyond access, identifying individualized learning plans, adaptive technology, trained teachers, and peer-based inclusion models like classroom buddies saying, “Inclusive budgeting” must back these efforts with real resources.

She noted that inclusive values must be embedded in every layer of the school system, from strategic plans to playgrounds.

While commenting on Gender-Based Violence Against Children with Disabilities, Dr. Faith Edebor, from the Vivian Sexual Assault Referral Center, described GBV as often an overlooked issue by society.

“These children face higher risks due to communication barriers, isolation, and harmful stereotypes,” she lamented.

She stressed the need for safe reporting channels, community education, and cross-sector collaboration to protect children from abuse and to support survivors with dignity and care.