TQM report,
Still in the celebration mood on the occasion of his birthday, the Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu re-echoed that the cries of Persons with disabilities have been heard and drastic measures are being put in place.
“Issues such as the new salary structure and allowances recently approved by the National Salaries and Wages Commission (NSWC) will soon take effect” He disclosed this while receiving executive members of the Nigerian Union of Workers with Disabilities (NIWODU) in his Abuja office on Friday 16th July, 2021
In a press statement signed by Mbanefo JohnMicheal I, Lalu said that his previous meetings with NSWC are yielding the desired results and it is time the community of Persons with disabilities started to reap the dividends. He also made known that he is still in consultations with Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) over the issue and is very optimistic about the upshot.
On the issue of Housing, the ES stated that efforts are in top gear to ensure that the Housing units are accessible and affordable to PWDs. He also said that concerted efforts are being made to effect structural changes to suit the PWDs.
He further seized the occasion to encourage the group to key into the mass Housing scheme of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration and opt for the Rent- to- own scheme.
The Executive Secretary reiterated the commission’s readiness to engage persons with disabilities that are professionals in the building and construction industry to help build tailored- made houses for PWDs. He also said 300 units are currently being planned in the FCT with an addition of 50 units in each state of the Federation.
He however, lamented the existence of multiple unions around the matters of employment for PWDs, stating that the situation has created avenues for some persons of questionable characters to personalize the agenda for their selfish gains. He further thanked the union for holding up the struggle and assured them of his unflinching support.
In a swift response, Chairman of the Union, Comrade Goodluck Ugwu congratulated the ES on the occasion of his birthday and expressed his profound appreciation for the warm reception. He described the ES as a personage with passion and proactive measures when it comes to the needs of PWDs. He also used the platform to solicit the ES’ intervention on the union’s proposed National convention. He equally drew the ES attention to the issue of capacity building for Persons with disabilities in order to develop their skills in various fields.
Another Executive member, Chizoba Nwakwesi who also doubles as the Welfare Secretary from the Federal ministry of Agriculture, decried the apparent exclusion of women with disabilities from the recent sport festival (FEBSGA) as well as other outstation events which could benefit the PWDs.
Ilesanmi Olabode, General Secretary mentioned the issue of certificate of permanent disability which is currently awarded by the Lagos State government to persons with disabilities. He said this would enable them access interventions from government without bias.
