The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Thursday, tasked Nigerians, especially stakeholders in education sector, to brainstorm on ways of improving the quality of life and inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria.
Speaking Thursday in Abuja, during an event organised to celebrate youth and children with disabilities, in commemoration of the 2023 Children’s Day, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, who was represented by the Director of Humanitarian Affairs, Alhaji Ali Grema, said although a lot has been achieved in the implementation of Child Right Act, Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, much still needed to be achieved.
He said: “I greatly appreciate the Director, Special Needs Department for coming up with this initiative. This is a bold step worthy of commendation and a right step in the right direction.
“This Ministry was created in 2019, to institutionalize, for effective coordination of all humanitarian, disaster management, social development and coordination of national responses to issues relating to vulnerable groups, which essentially also affect persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the country.
“You will recall the United Nation first celebrated the International Year of the Child in 1979 and resolved that member nations should set aside a special day to be celebrated annually in honour of their children and to ensure that issues relating to the wellbeing of the children are constantly brought to the front burner of national attention and actions.
“I therefore challenge all and sundry to brainstorm on ways of improving the quality of life and inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria. I pledge continuous movement support in ensuring that activities meant to improve the wellbeing of persons with disabilities are given utmost priority.”
Also speaking, the Director, Special Needs Department, Mr. Chogudo A. Sule, said it is the responsibility of the society to allow people with disabilities to experience a life they deserve.
