15th December, 2020.

The Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, Jos, notes with dismay and condemns in strong terms the discrimination meted to Mrs. Oguntoyose Gbemi (pseudonym).

Mrs. Oguntoyose was scheduled to fly on Dana Air 9J 353 Lagos to Abuja and was refused boarding because she is a wheelchair user.

The said action of Dana Air who stated that its airline does not have provision for wheelchair users is discriminatory and a violation of the Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019.

Despite the passage into law the Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2019 in Nigeria, people living with disabilities continue to face and undergo various forms of discrimination which is sad, and condemnable.

The Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center condemns the action of Dana Air and other organizations who engage in similar acts and calls for the full implementation of the National Disability Act with the aim of addressing unfavorable policies which further discriminates against persons with disabilities in the country.

Dana Airline is hereby implored to apologize to Mrs. Oguntoyose Gbemi for the embarrassment and trauma she was subjected to. Also, they should apologize to People Living with Disabilities via media outlets and it’s social media handles, and change its discriminatory policy towards People Living with Disabilities. If Dana Air fails to meet the aforementioned demands, we shall mobilise a total boycott of Dana Air by People Living with Disabilities, our family members and friends.

Government is also called upon to sensitise the public about the rights of People Living with Disabilities and prosecute those who violate the National Disability Act right so as to serve as a deterrent and close the gap on what People Living with Disabilities face as they go about their legitimate business daily.

Signed.
Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan
Director, Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, Jos.
http://www.BeautifulGateWheelchairs.org

count | 84

Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center Condemns Dana Air Refusal To Board Woman Because of Her Disability