The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr. James David Lalu has reiterated his commitment to promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities and to ensure equality for all.
Lalu made this known recently in Abuja at a 3-day programme organized by Sightsavers with the theme: “Inclusion Works – Close out Ceremomy”.
“The Commission remains profound in supporting a long-term crusade for the change on the national neglect that has plagued conversations around disability inclusion” he said.
Speaking further, the ES stated that as part of his commitment to the inclusion of PWDs, the Commission will continue to engage all Federal government Ministries, Extra-ministerial Departments and Agencies on the provision of 5% employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
Mr. Lalu seized the opportunity to commend and appreciate the giant strides of Sightsavers and other stakeholders, remarking that the fight against the discrimination and inclusion of PWDs should be a continuous process in order to drive the change desired by all.
In his welcome address, the Country Director Sightsavers, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku, said that the partnership among the private, public and civil society sectors will help to develop and influence the inclusion of men and women with disabilities in formal employments.
Isiyaku, added that the aim of the event was to sensitize the general public on the need for inclusiveness, innovative and sustainability practices which will impact positively in addressing inclusion in the labour market.
In her remarks, the Lead, Disability Inclusion (Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Mrs Onyinye Atuanya, said that the British Government will continue to use its global influence to champion Persons with Disabilities’ rights through its diplomatic and development efforts.
The high point of the event was the presentation of awards by the Executive Secretary (NCWPD) to some Stakeholders and Partners for their contributions to the disability communities.
Some of the recipients include: The Albino Foundation (TAF), Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled (KEFD), National Association of the Blind (NAB), Network of Disabled Women (NDW) and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).Other stakeholders also present at the event were Nigeria Business Disability Network, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria, Unilever West Africa, MTN, Airtel, Access Bank, Guinness Nigeria, The Albino Foundation, Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled (KEFD), Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Association of the Blind (NAB), Network of Disabled Women (NDW) and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD).
