In a significant move to enhance disability rights awareness and advocacy in Nigeria, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has partnered with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to design a comprehensive communication strategy. This initiative aims to create mass awareness about disability rights, leveraging various media channels to reach a wide audience. The collaboration aligns with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act of 2018, particularly part 1, section 2, which mandates the promotion and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
The inaugural meeting of the joint committee was held on July 29, 2024, at the NCPWD’s headquarters. The event was presided over by Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, who was represented by Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam, the Director of Compliance and Enforcement at the commission. The gathering marked a crucial step toward fostering a more inclusive society, where the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are recognized and addressed at all levels.
In his opening remarks, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam expressed gratitude to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon. Mohammed Idris Malagi, for promptly nominating staff members to join the task force. He emphasized the importance of the committee’s work, highlighting the need for diligent and dedicated efforts to achieve meaningful outcomes for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. “Good leaders make efforts while others neglect their responsibilities and blame it on the society,” he stated, urging the committee members to rise to the occasion and set a positive example.
Barrister Uchegbulam’s comments underscored a broader issue in Nigerian society: the lack of widespread understanding and acceptance of disability rights. He stressed that disability rights are not just a concern for those directly affected but should be embraced by everyone as part of a collective effort to build a more equitable society. The NCPWD, under the leadership of Dr. Lalu, has been at the forefront of advocating for such a societal shift, and this new collaboration with the Information Ministry represents a strategic move to amplify these efforts.
The committee is chaired by Dr. Sulaiman, the Director of Protocol in the office of the Hon. Minister of Information. In his remarks, Dr. Sulaiman pledged full support for the Advocacy Agenda, outlining plans to develop a robust framework that will guide the implementation and monitoring of the communication strategy. “On behalf of the Honorable Minister, I want to assure you all that we will come up with a strategic implementation and monitoring template that will facilitate accessibility in all spheres,” he said. His commitment reflects a growing recognition within government circles of the need to prioritize disability issues and ensure that information about rights and services is accessible to all.
The collaboration aims to tackle several key challenges, including the lack of awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, misconceptions and stigmatization, and the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing necessary services and opportunities. The new communication strategy will employ a variety of methods, including traditional media, digital platforms, and community engagement initiatives, to reach diverse audiences across the country.
The meeting also saw the participation of other key figures from the NCPWD, including Hajiya Fatima Doki, Head of Strategic Innovation, and Farooq Gagarawa from the New Media department. Their presence highlighted the commission’s commitment to leveraging innovation and modern communication tools to enhance its outreach efforts.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of social inclusion, the NCPWD’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation represents a beacon of hope for many. The success of this initiative could set a precedent for other governmental and non-governmental organizations, encouraging a more unified approach to addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
In conclusion, the collaboration between the NCPWD and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is a promising step toward creating a more inclusive and informed society. By developing an inclusive communication strategy, the committee aims to not only raise awareness but also foster a culture of understanding and acceptance. The task ahead is significant, but with dedicated efforts from all involved parties, there is a genuine opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Mbanefo JohnMichaels I
Head Information and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD
29th July, 2024
