In line with Goal 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Mr James David Lalu has demonstrated his commitments to making Federal Capital Territory an inclusive smart city.
The Executive Secretary while receiving representatives of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (Department of Social Welfare) in his office today 15th August, 2023 reaffirmed the need to use Federal Capital Territory as a model City that would accommodate Persons with Disabilities through the adoption of the Minimum Accessibility Standard in various public infrastructures within Abuja.
“It is critical to be conscious of developments around the world where smart cities are springing up almost by the hour, with consideration for social inclusivity in all facets”, Lalu said.
He added that goal 11 of the SDGs is explicit about making safe, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities for all to co-habit in a peaceful manner without any iota of discrimination to Persons With Disabilities.
In a press statement signed by Mbanefo JohnMichaels I, the house, Press and Public Relations Unit, NCPWD, the ES further seized the occasion to hint on the correspondence between the Commission and the FCT Administration on the modalities for interventions based on the mandate of the Commission.
“We have forwarded a letter to the Federal Capital Territory Administration on the Commission’s commitments to making public toilets accessible for Persons with Disabilities as well as the renovations of Block of classrooms at the Alheri Leprosy Colony, Yangoji in the Kwali Area Council and Karonmajiji disability community and as soon as there is a go-ahead signal from the Authority, the Commission will kick Start the project” he disclosed.
In his response, the Principal, Vocational training school Bwari, Bala Musa Tsoho appreciated the ES for his continuous and constant pursuit of improved welfare for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria since his appointment.
He highlighted that by 2050, 7 out of 10 Persons will prefer to live in urban areas and as such, Persons with Disabilities should not be left in primitive environments.
He also underpinned that the FCTA is committed to having an all-inclusive smart city for the benefit of all Nigerians.
