FG Institutes Committee To Uphold Rights Of PWDs

The Federal Government has set up a committee to design a framework for engagement with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to create awareness on the rights of persons living with disabilities.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris gave the directive in Abuja when he received the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James Lalu in his office.

He said President Tinubu believes in social inclusion, hence his commitment to giving visibility, recognition, and responsibility to persons living with disabilities in his government.

According to him, about 35 million people are living with disabilities which represents a critical mass whose unique perspectives, talents, and experiences can enrich the forthcoming National Values Charter implementation aimed at inculcating morals and values in Nigerians.

“We will grant your request to set up a committee, we will set up a committee that is going to work closely with you to look at your specific needs so that we can help to ensure that your aims and objectives are achieved,” Idris said.

He also said that he would place at the disposal of the commission, public information organs and the apparatus of his ministry, to protect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities to protect them against discrimination”.

He stressed further, “No segment of the Nigerian population will be left behind under the Tinubu administration,” Idris assured while promising to lead advocacy to state governors on the domestication of the Disability Law in their respective states”.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr James Lalu said he was at the Ministry to seek areas of collaboration towards creating awareness on the rights of persons with disabilities.

He said some sections of the Disability Law mandates service providers to provide special access to persons with disabilities in facilities such as public buildings, transportation, and health care facilities among others without any form of discrimination.

Lalu said persons with disabilities possess a wealth of untapped potential, encompassing a diverse range of skills, qualifications, and acumen needed for the economic advancement of the country.

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji