Blessing Bature, Abuja
In committing to the realisation of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the federal government has on Monday pledged it’s commitment towards improving the lives of Persons Living with Disabilities PLWDs, inclusive, for national development; where no one is left behind.
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq who disclosed this in a press conference to commemorate the 2022 international day of persons with disabilities.
Farouq disclosed that over the years, the day has been celebrated with a theme and sometimes sub-themes chosen to reflect on a particular burning issue in the area of disability, adding that the theme for this year’s international day of persons with disabilities is “Transformative solutions for inclusive development: the role of innovation in fueling an accessible world”.
The Minister who was represented by the national coordinator, National social investment program, Engr Umar Bindir said the annual observance of the day aims at promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilizing supports for the dignity, right and well-being of persons with disabilities, as well as serving as a wake-up call to all stakeholders on the needs of persons with disabilities, in order to intensify efforts towards improving their solutions.
“This is to achieve the aims of awakening the consciousness of all member states towards encouraging and promoting activities that will bring issues of disability in the front burner on the national and international circles, as well as celebrating persons with disabilities”.
Also, The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr James David Lalu, said the international day for persons with disability is set aside by the united nations specifically to celebrate the activities of the disability Community, adding that the achievement must be see, hear and know about.
He appreciated the secretary to the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Head of service and the federal character commission for providing the necessary support to enable employment of persons with disability of the federal civil service.
According to him, “today we have over 161 thousand persons with disability who have secured employment with different government agencies and parastatal.
He also appreciated the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, disaster management and social development for her support in ensuring that the disability Community are empowered.
He thanked the present Administration, saying President Muhammadu Buhari, assented to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act in 2019, after almost 18 years of long struggle.
“This Act provides for the full integration of Persons with Disabilities into the society and creation of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities that will be vested with the responsibilities for the education, health, social, economic and civil rights of PWDs. These has helped in no small measure in promoting the participation of Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of life and their aspiring to leadership and decision making positions”, he said.
In the same vein, the permeant secretary, FMHADMSD, Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo represented by the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Alh Ali Grema said the objective of the conference include providing a platform to showcase the activities of the ministry in the Area of disability and to celebrate millions of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and world over.
“The Ministry has been doing its best to ensure effective implementation of the provisions of the Act. Some success stories abound and laudable achievements recorded through the activities of both the Ministry and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.