Abuja, March 5, 2024 – In a recent consultative meeting with stakeholders in Abuja, Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, urged Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to refrain from participating in public protests over the high cost of living. He emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing challenges faced by the disability community, citing efforts by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Isa assured leaders of various disability clusters that the government understands their struggles and is dedicated to improving the standard of living for all citizens, particularly PWDs, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda. He urged calm and patience, expressing confidence that the government’s policies and initiatives would yield positive results in the long run.
While unveiling plans to provide palliatives to cushion the economic downturn’s effects, Isa emphasized that his office would handle the distribution process. He urged collaboration from heads of different disability clusters in creating a comprehensive database for efficient and effective distribution.
Addressing the meeting, Dr. Chile Okogwu, the Executive Director of the Centre for Ability, Rehabilitation & Empowerment (CARE), challenged the government to meet the 5 percent statutory quota for PWDs outlined in the National Disability Act. He called for financial inclusion, stressing the need for PWDs to be considered in government loans and transportation arrangements.
Dr. Okogwu emphasized the importance of adhering to the National Disability Act, urging government officials to allocate at least 5 percent of employment and appointments to PWDs. He highlighted the capabilities of the disability community, stating, “Despite our disability, we know we are capable and can contribute significantly, but please do not disappoint us, because there is so much strength in us.”
The government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by PWDs aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on inclusivity and support for all citizens. As the administration navigates through economic challenges, the call for collaboration and understanding becomes pivotal, ensuring that the disability community is not left behind in the pursuit of a better future.
