The Federal Government has announced the establishment of a five-member committee to raise awareness about the rights and benefits of individuals with disabilities. The committee, which will collaborate with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, aims to promote inclusivity and prevent discrimination against persons with disabilities (PWDs). This move is a significant step towards recognizing the importance of social inclusion and protecting the rights of PWDs in Nigeria. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the announcement during a meeting with Dr. James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, in Abuja on April 24.
Idris emphasized the importance of social inclusion and the need to protect the rights and dignity of PWDs. He stated that the committee will work closely with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to identify the specific needs and develop a plan to address them. The Minister also pledged to use his Ministry’s resources and apparatus to promote awareness about the rights of PWDs and prevent discrimination against them. He emphasized that President Tinubu believes in social inclusion and is committed to giving visibility, recognition, and responsibility to those in his government.
Discrimination towards disabilities not allowed, says Dr. Lalu.
Also, the Minister noted that the 35 million individuals living with disabilities in Nigeria represent a critical mass whose unique perspectives, talents, and experiences can enrich the forthcoming implementation of the National Values Charter, which aims to inculcate morals and values in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James Lalu , expressed his commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to promote awareness about the rights available to those in need. He highlighted the untapped potential within the disabled community, which encompasses a wide array of skills and qualifications essential for the country’s economic progress.
Dr. Lalu emphasized that certain aspects of the Disability Law require service providers to offer unique access to individuals with disabilities in various facilities without discrimination. The establishment of the committee is a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of PWDs in Nigeria. With an estimated 35 million individuals living with disabilities in the country, this initiative has the potential to make a significant impact on their lives and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The committee’s work will focus on raising awareness about the rights and benefits of PWDs, promoting inclusivity in public facilities and services, and preventing discrimination.
Tasks of the newly established committee for PWDs.
As well, the committee’s work will involve collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including civil society organizations, private sector entities, and government agencies, to promote the rights and inclusion of differently abled people. The committee will also work to identify and address the specific needs of PWDs, including access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. The establishment of the committee is a welcome development in Nigeria, who have long faced discrimination and exclusion from mainstream society. The committee’s work has the potential to promote inclusivity and protect peoples rights, and its impact will be felt across the country.
In addition, the committee’s work will also involve promoting awareness about the Disability Law and its provisions, which aim to protect the rights of people and promote their inclusion in society. The committee will work to ensure that service providers, including public and private sector entities, comply with the law and provide access to PWDs without discrimination. The establishment of the committee is a significant step towards recognizing the importance of social inclusion and protecting the rights of those living in Nigeria.
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With its focus on promoting awareness, inclusivity, and preventing discrimination, the committee has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of PWDs and contribute to the country’s economic growth. The committee’s work will be crucial in promoting the rights and inclusion of people, and its impact will be felt across the country. As well, the committee’s work will also involve engaging with international organizations and development partners to leverage resources and expertise to support the inclusion of all in Nigeria. This will help to ensure that Nigeria is in line with international best practices and standards in promoting the rights and inclusion of PWDs.
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