The struggle for the inclusions of Persons With Disabilities in the scheme of things over the years has gained considerable momentum as the community of Persons With Disabilities under the leadership of Dr. James David Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities has witnessed unprecedented transformation that can best be described as participatory in all facets of government ease of doing business in Nigeria.
The metamorphosis which has taken place within the organized society speaks to the conscientious and consistent focus-driven efforts of the stakeholders in the disability community, who have identified the fundamentals of their existence despite their conditions.
And like the common saying in the parlance “Nothing about Us is without Us” – every step and every move made are products of hand- holding of Persons With disabilities in the decision and policies made so far.
The 2023 Intentional Day of Persons With Disabilities themed” Renewing Hope for Disability – inclusive societies, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities under the most consistent leadership of Dr. Lalu seized the occasion to create a platform for a world that accommodates contributions of every individual’s abilities, irrespective of their disabilities and constraints..
Most gracious is the character of the Commander -in- Chief of Armed forces and Executive President of Nigeria, his Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu who recently signed the African Protocol on People’s Rights and the Rights of Persons With Disabilities.
This gesture has opened vistas of interests by the current 10th National Assembly whose interest reposes on vigorously pursuing all disability- related issues. Many champions and tenacious advocates have emerged through this onerous ideology.
Special thanks to the Honorable Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu and the uncommon zeal of the Chairman, House committee on Disabilities, Dr. Bashir Ayinla Bashorun for their passion towards advancing the course of Persons With disabilities since their assumptions of office duties.
Of course, on many occasions, disability champions have attested to the fact that the journey has been rough but, “we are no longer where we used to be” Lalu would always and faithfully attest.
With more funding promised by the Government and Partners, the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities can achieve no less in the year 2024.
Having identified talents in various fields, the Commission is focusing on sports as a great avenue for development and empowerment for Paralympics, and other athletes to wining more laurels in 2024.
However, for the benefit of all Nigerians, especially the naysayers and those who still seem ignorant of the existence of the National Accessibility standard code upon the expiration of the five year moratorium… The Task team will be all out by the end of January 2024 to ensure full compliance of the Discrimination Against against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) 2018 Act.
However, having assured that by 2024 Persons with Disabilities will witness inclusive policies and programs, as the Commission is working assiduously to ensure more scholarships and interventions are enjoyed by PWDs across the Nation.
Lalu also said that the Commission is readily making efforts to collaborate with necessary stakeholders for stronger advocacy and enforcement in order to ensure full compliance with the disability law.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to making life better for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria. His commitment to eradicate poverty among PWDs in Nigeria has moved him to mandate 10 % of all federal government interventions and empowerment programs to be reserved for Persons with disabilities” – Renewed Hope Redefined
Merry Christmas and a generous New Year to our Partners, especially men of tongues of good reports, our Journalists.
By NCPWD MEDIA TEAM
