By Ene Osang
Abuja
Nigerians have been reminded of their responsibility to assist People With Disabilities (PWDs) to enable them to have a sense of belonging to the society.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, gave the charge yesterday in Abuja at the event to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebrated on the theme “Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Society For All.”
According to her, this year’s celebration in Nigeria aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of PWDs.
She assured of the ministry’s commitment to making life better for PWDs in every aspect of political, social economic and cultural life.
This, she said, would encourage them contribute their quota to national development.
“We are determined to pay more attention on issues related to the inclusion of PWDs in society and development, both as beneficiaries and agents of change.
“Today’s celebration is a practical action while recommendations and awareness have been sent to the 36 states, the FCT, academic institutions, cultural centers etc to ensure that our activities leave a legacy and bring about lasting change,” she said.
The minister further disclosed that the ministry had concluded the work on the review of the National Policy on Disability, saying it “will soon be presented for the validation of all stakeholders.”
In her welcome address, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ifeoma Anagbogu, said about 19 million persons were leaving with disabilities in the country, just as she called for increased support and assistance that would enable their full integration to the society.
However, the General Manager, Northern Operations of the MTN Foundation, Hajiya Amina Usman, decried the plight of PWDs, saying about “24 million Nigerians live with one disability or the other” in the country.
