RIVCASSON's Three-Day IDPwD 2025 Campaign Champions Social Progress Through Inclusion
Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The Rivers State Chapter of the Counselling Association of Nigeria (RIVCASSON) has amplified its commitment to disability rights by executing an expansive three-day advocacy programme in celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPwD) 2025. Running from December 1st to 3rd, the initiative is strategically designed to drive public awareness, dismantle attitudinal barriers, and offer academic insights into the global theme: "Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress."
The multi-pronged campaign kicked off with a major radio sensitization effort, ensuring the message of inclusion permeated communities across the state. On December 1st, the discussion took centre stage on Rhythm 93.7 FM. Distinguished counsellors, including Dr. Austin ThankGod Jonah, Tamunokuro Abel Chima Briggs, and Prof Chinelo, passionately addressed the public. Their conversation focused on the imperative of creating truly inclusive communities, advocating for equal opportunities, and challenging the systemic biases that hinder the full participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Building on this momentum, the advocacy continued on December 2nd at Save-A-Life 88.9 FM. Here, another panel of dedicated professionals, featuring Dr. Daughter Naa, Dr. Agu Deborah, and the returning Tamunokuro Abel Chima Briggs, stressed the fundamental importance of integrating PWDs into every sphere of life, from the economic to the political, in line with the spirit of the UN observance. These radio sessions served as a vital call to action for stakeholders, urging them to translate commitment into tangible, accessible infrastructure and inclusive policies.
The entire celebration is scheduled to culminate on December 3rd, the official IDPwD date, with a dynamic Roadshow and a high-impact Talk Seminar. The roadshow will visibly parade the message of inclusion through the heart of Port Harcourt, rallying community support. This will be followed by the seminar, which provides an intellectual and strategic platform to deepen the discussion. The seminar's core focus, centered on the UN theme, will be delivered by two renowned experts: Professor Joseph Kinane and Professor Chinelo Joy Ugwu.
Their presentations are expected to move beyond rhetoric, offering specific, research-backed models and strategies for advancing disability inclusion that contributes directly to social development in the Niger Delta region. RIVCASSON’s comprehensive three-day programme, blending media outreach, public mobilization, and academic discourse, solidifies the association’s position as a champion for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities in Rivers State.