In commemoration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IPWDs), the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq, has said it needs more support and collaboration of stakeholders to achieve its mandate of catering for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking Monday in Abuja at a conference organised by the ministry to commemorate the day, Farouq, who was represented by the national coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Dr Umar Bindir, said the federal government will continue to be disability sensitive, to enable PWDs live a fulfilled life and make meaningful contribution to societal growth and development, in line with the implementation of the 2030 Development Agenda.
She said it is only when people are empowered, involved and included that they can better be prepared to take advantage of opportunities.
She said: “Nigeria as a member nation of the UN joins the comity of nations to mark this day in line with the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3 of October 14th, 1992, which proclaimed 3rd December of every year as International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
“It is pertinent to note that following Mr. President’s assent to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, a lot has changed regarding issues of disability in the country. These have helped in no small measure in promoting the participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of life and their aspiring to leadership and decision making positions.
“It is worthy of note equally that a lot of states have equally followed suit to domesticate the act into laws. Recently, Abia, Edo and Kano states passed their own laws. However, a lot still needs to be done towards the effective implementation of the provisions of the act, especially in the areas of accessibility, advocacy and sensitisation among others.”
