During a courtesy visit to the Hon. Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada today 8th September, 2022 in Abuja, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu made a passionate appeal for Persons With Disabilities to begin to assert themselves and occupy leadership positions beyond the shores of Nigeria into the African Sub- region so as to attain substantive inclusivity in Humanitarian affairs.
Speaking, the ES reeled out the achievements made by the Commission within this short period of its establishment and the challenges faced so far.
However, Lalu commended the warm reception of the Minister and seized the occasion to solicit his support in achieving inclusiveness of Persons With Disabilities in various capacities.
“Our coming here today is to seek your collaboration for proper coordination of interventions from diverse donor Agencies who are interested in Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.
The ES further disclosed that the Commission has prepared a memorandum that will place Nigeria on a special pedestal where other African countries can emulate.
The Commission’s helmsman also informed that NCPWD is working closely with the World Bank to host a global event on the 26th September, 2022 which will expose Persons With Disabilities to opportunities in the international community.
He equally used the platform to invite the Ministry to participate in the event in order to boost the confidence of PWDs while aspiring to positions of authority in the Sub- region.
In his response, the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada who could not hold back his excitement commended the ES for living up and beyond the expectations of Nigerians .
He described the visit as very fundamental to advancing the course of Persons with Disabilities beyond the shores of Nigeria.
He, however promised to give all the necessary support to the Commission even as the leadership continues to advocate for the inclusion of PWDs as they demonstrate capacity to lead.
Zubairu hinted that the 5-year strategic plan of the Commission is a clear indication of purposeful leadership.
He equally advised that copies of the documents should be sent to the 109 missions of Nigeria in the other countries of the world for in-depth knowledge of the Ambassadors.
He then encouraged the ES not to rest on his oars but stay focused until he changes the narrative to a positive one for the community of PWDs across board.
