By Desmond Ejibas
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that it has recruited 12 young people with disabilities in accordance with the 2019 Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
NDDC new media director Chijioke Amu-Nnadi revealed this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Sunday.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on January 23, 2019, enacted the Disability Discrimination (Ban) Act 2018.
NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr. Effiong Akwa, handed the new employees their letters of employment.
Akwa said the commission is fully committed to harnessing the potential of the people of the Niger Delta to sue for more integration and inclusion.
“Thus, the NDDC is perhaps the first federal government agency to begin implementing the Disability Rights Act passed in 2019.
“It shows that we are human and that we understand and care for others, regardless of their physical condition.
“We commend President Buhari for asking the commission to intervene, not only in physical infrastructure projects but also in human capacity building,” he said.
Akwa told newly hired staff members that the government through their employment has proven its commitment to people living with disabilities in the country.
He said that the passage of the Disability Rights Act further proves that the current administration wants people with disabilities to enjoy their human rights.
“We believe this recognition will instill a sense of responsibility, recognition, pride and ownership in people with disabilities.
“This is why we intervene in their life and in the life of all the inhabitants of the Niger Delta.
“Niger Delta Minister of Affairs Senator Godswill Akpabio, who conveyed government approval for the engagement, said President Buhari is aware of the plight of people with disabilities,” he said.
The NDDC boss advised people with disabilities not to be weighed down by their disability but to look for ways to develop and contribute to the development of the region and the country.
For his part, the commission’s human resources director, Silas Anyanwu, called on new employees to offer the best of themselves in the performance of their duties.
Everyone said that the NDDC leadership would help them facilitate their work given their obstacles.
“But no one will receive any favors or special considerations, because it’s important that you know that we expect the best from you at all times,” he told the new hires.
Speaking on behalf of the new recruits, Mr. Simon Bidei, A leader from the Joint Association of People with Disabilities, Niger Delta, thanked the employment commission.
He also commended the commission for taking into consideration the needs of people with disabilities in the construction of the new headquarters building, urging other organizations to emulate the NDDC. (NAA)
(NAN)
