By NNEKA IKEM ANIBEZE,
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq on Wednesday commissioned the National Disability Electronic Certificate Production Centre located at the Persons With Diasbility Complex in Abuja.
Two Operational Vehicles to improve mobility and productivity of the Commission as well as a Mini Braille printing centre, a National Disability Data Processing centre and an accessible office complex were also launched by the Minister .
On the occasion, Minister Umar Farouq stated that the inauguration of the projects was the beginning of inclusivity which Persons with Disability have always yearned for.
She also expressed delight in the rapid development of the Commission in just one year.
“I am indeed delighted to be here to witness the drastic developments that have taken place in the last one year in the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. This effort is in recognition of the promise made by the Commander- in- Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to take 100 million extremely poor Nigerians out of poverty which includes Persons with Disabilities.
“More than Thirty-One million Persons With Disabilities are beginning to have the visibility and inclusivity that the community has long yearned for.
“As these projects commence operation from today, we hope for better data collection, more dignified access to services and accessibility to government print information, policies and other equipment for the Blind. By these, hope is being rekindled in the disability community about their identity and the protection of the rights of Persons with Disability against any form of discrimination or abuse”.
The Minister also congratulated the staff of the Commission for their doggedness despite the limited resources and staff strength and assured that the Ministry is working assiduously with the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to facilitate timely access to the waiver for employment into the Commission.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Mr James David Lalu lauded the efforts of President Muhammadu and that of the Minister in providing a befitting office for persons with disabilities.
“Thank you for wiping the tears of over thirty -one million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and for using your office to provide a place for persons with disabilities. We promise to make you proud and we will surpass your expectations of these projects you started. We will always be grateful to you”.
The Minister later toured the Electronic Certificate Production Centre, the Mini Braille printing centre, the National Disability Data Processing centre and other facilities in the office complex.
Also at the inauguration was the former governor of Nasarawa state and Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Umaru Tanko Al- Makura, Chairman of the Governing Council Dr Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa, Senator Osita Izunaso, Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Education and other members of the Governing Council NCPWD.
