Abuja Association Of The Deaf (AAD) has called on The FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike to consider establishing an agency for persons with disabilities.
The Chairman of the group, Ayoade Beyioku-Alase made this call during the occasion of The International Week Of The Deaf People And Sign-Language Commemoration on Thursday in Abuja.
Ayoade Beyioku-Alase called on the minister and other relevant stakeholders, CSOs and NGOs to give serious consideration to the establishment of a FCT Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
“This Agency would serve as a body to oversee the affairs of PWDs, including the Deaf community”.
Speaking further, he said that it would provide a platform for the concerns and needs of PWDs, and empower PWDs with the ability to actively contribute to decision-making processes that affect our lives.
“Such a Agency would not only address the challenges by the Deaf community but also serve as a model for other area councils in FCT to follow. It would create a pathway for inclusive policies, programs, and services that not only accommodate but also celebrate the diversity of PWDs” he added.
You will recall that Disability Act signed by Former President Mohammadu Buhari came with a commission saddled with responsibility of ensuring compliance to the provisions of the Act.
Many States have domesticated the law and have gone ahead to create agency to pilot the affairs of persons with disabilities.
It is also important that FCT create an agency to pilot the affairs of FCT residents with disabilities because the activities of National Commission For Persons With Disabilities will not totally take care of FCT Residents with Disabilities.
