Recounting the contributions by Sightsavers Nigeria in the last few years, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has applauded the efforts of the Development Partners in advancing the course of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The ES gave the commendations recently in Abuja when he hosted a delegation from Sightsavers Nigeria who were on a courtesy call to the Commission.
He applauded the team as one of the most consistent and dependable partners of the Commission who have massively contributed towards supporting programmes with incredible impacts around disability issues.
Lalu disclosed that Sightsavers Nigeria have assisted the Commission in various areas such as: Education, Capacity building, supporting the process of Accessibility standard code, NCPWD’s participation in the Ratification of the African Protocol on disabilities and opening of Eye Clinics in some States in Nigeria.
“Disability issue is a special task for everybody and Sightsavers Nigeria have raised concern towards supporting the movement and Advocacy for Persons With Disabilities in order to protect their rights and ensuring that the spirit of inclusion is adopted by all Nigerians’ he echoed.
In addition, the Executive Secretary seized the occasion to seek the support of Sightsavers towards the up-coming African Summit which is slated to be hosted by Nigeria by next year.
According to him, it will be a great opportunity for advocating for the rights of Persons with Disabilities and the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for diplomatic purposes.
He further called on Sightsavers Nigeria to support in providing training on disabilities for security officers in the 774 local government Areas in Nigeria.
“This will involve 80% of Persons with Disabilities who are living in the rural areas and are in need of awareness creations which will enable empowerments”
The high point of the meeting was the presentation of the instrument of Ratification of African charter on Disabilities signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the 19th October, 2023 to Sightsavers Nigeria as part of the laudable achievements of the Executive Secretary.
Later in his address, the Chief Executive Officer of Sightsavers International Mr. Dom Haslam, congratulated the ES for the progress he made in bringing Legislative Policies and successfully initiating a lot of great ideas to promote the wellbeing of Persons with Disabilities within the few years of his leadership.
According to him, “Africa’s voice on disability matters is very important”
He further congratulated the ES for the ability to acquire the certificate as other countries like Ghana and Kenya and assured the Commission of maximum support.
In the same vein, the Director Program Operation Sightsavers Dr. Joy Shuaibu added that Lalu is indeed an asset to the disability Community and his hard work has been an inspiration to Sightsavers.
JohnMichaels I. Mbanefo
Head Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
22nd November, 2023
