The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN) in collaboration with National Commission For Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) have unveiled the translated and simplified version of Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 popularly known as Nigerian Disability Act.
“The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, (TLMN), translated the simplified version of the Disability Act in three different Nigerian languages, Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, in an effort to enhance understanding of the provisions of discrimination Against persons with Disabilities (Prohibition), Act 2018 in the rural Communities”.
During the unveiling ceremony in Abuja on Monday, the National Coordinator, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, (TLMN), Mr. Sunday Udo said the initiative is to give individual the sense of belonging and for the availability of information to all.
“It is to promote understanding of the provisions of Disability Act in all parts of the country”.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. James Lalu stated that there is need for the world to note that the rights of People with disabilities are protected, announcing that plans are underway to launch a bilateral relationship the National Orientation Agency for sensitization about disabilities rights in rural communities. He warned that the commission will ensure that non compliance to the law would have consequences.
The Senior Special Assistance to the President on Disability, Mr. Mohammed Isa emphasized the need for widespread awareness on the rights of the People with disabilities in Nigeria, noting that President Bola Tinubu is committed in addressing the plight of the people with disabilities.
Commenting on the legislative stance, the House Committee Chairman on Disability, Dr. Bashiru Ayinla Dawodu, said the House of representative has approved the use of sign language in the chamber.
He therefore assured that the National Assembly is committed to make laws that will be geared towards the protection of the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
Margaret Yenami, Assistant Director at NOA who represented DG NOA assured that cooperation of thee agency with relevant stakeholders to promote disability law in Nigeria.
The Consultant to The Project, Comrade Chris Agbo who is the Executive Director and Publisher of The Qualitative Magazine (Disability Advocacy Magazine), commended TLMN and NCPWD for the initiative and launch possible. He called for translation to be extended to sign language and braille version to be in formats accessible to the Deaf and Blind clusters.
Speaking further, he said that the Translated versions are coming at the right time because it provided opportunity for those in the rural communities to have access to the Act.
It is only when you have knowledge of your right that you can demand for it and it is only when people around you is understand the right that they can support you to enjoy your right”
