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 that it needs more support and collaboration of stakeholders in order to achieve its mandate of catering for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Speaking Monday in Abuja, at a conference organized 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 that the Federal Government will continue to be disability sensitive, to enable them live a fulfilled live 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, “they become agents of change and are more available to embrace their civic responsibilities.”
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”. This is to achieve the aims of awakening the consciousness of all Member States towards encouraging and promoting activities that will bring issues of disability in the front burner in both national and international circles, as well as celebrating Persons with Disabilities.
“The annual observance of the Day aims at promoting an understanding of disability issues and mobilizing supports for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities, as well as serving as a wake-up call to all stakeholders on the needs of persons with disabilities, in order to intensify efforts towards improving their situations. As a country, we have been celebrating this Day since 1994.
“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 suite to domesticate the Act into laws in their various states. Recently, Abia, Edo and Kano states passed their own laws. However, a lot still need to be done towards the effective implementation of the provisions of the Act, especially in the areas of accessibility, advocacy and sensitization among others.
“The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development recognizes that we as Government cannot achieve these alone, hence the collaboration with various stakeholders and partners. It is on this note that we appreciate all our stakeholders and partners, for their usual cooperation and support to the Ministry. We will continue to count on you for more reliable collaboration towards achieving our common goal.
“The Federal Government will continue to be disability sensitive in supporting and providing a conducive environment towards promoting the participation of Persons with Disabilities and their leadership for the realization of their potentials, to enable them live a fulfilled live and make meaningful contribution to societal growth and development. This will be in line with the implementation of the 2030 Development Agenda. It is only when people are empowered, involved and included that they can better be prepared to take advantage of opportunities: they become agents of change and are more available to embrace their civic responsibilities.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Dr. Nasir Sani Gwarzo, who was represented by the director of humanitarian affairs, Alhaji Ali Grema, said the objectives of the Conference was to provide a platform to show-case the achievements of the Ministry in the area of disability, celebrate millions of persons with disabilities in Nigeria and world over as well as to provide an avenue for an interactive session with the media.
