You will recall that in early 2019, the present Administration signed into law, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act after the bill suffered many years of setbacks
The Federal Government has called on state governments across the federation to domesticate the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Prohibition Act to enhance and promote their lives and welfare.
Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, made the call at the opening of the Conference of Directors responsible for the Rehabilitation of PWDs on Friday, in Abuja.
The Conference was organised by the Department of Social Needs of the Ministry, headed by the Director, Mrs Nkechi Onwukwe.
Sani-Gwarzo, said the objectives of the gathering included providing a platform for experience sharing, brain-storming and learning lessons on issues affecting the well-being of PWDs.
He added that it would chart a way forward on effective service delivery for PWDs in the country.
“Over the years, the ministry has continually trained visually impaired adults at the Nigeria Farm craft Centre for the Blind. 55 of them graduated in 2021/2022 Session and 47 of them are currently enrolled for 2022/2023 Session
“We regularly providing Assistive Devices and empowerment tools to PWDs.
“You will recall that in early 2019, the present Administration signed into law, the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act after the bill suffered many years of setbacks.
“The Act led to the establishment of the NCPWDs vested with the responsibilities for education, health care, social, economic and civil rights of PWDs and other related matters.
“Therefore, it is pertinent for the States to domesticate this Act for effective service delivery to all PWDs across the country,” Sani-Gwarzo said.
The Permanent Secretary said that the conference would accord them the opportunity to rub minds, deliberate and come up with concrete steps towards ensuring that the disability community, for which they serve, gets their best.
In her welcome address, Onwukwe said the ministry deemed it fit to hold the conference towards promoting activities that enhances the interaction, mainstreaming and empowerment of PWDs
She added that it would lead to more sustainable economic, social political growth of the nation and to chart a way forward.
“This conference is aimed at resolving emerging issues affecting the overall survival, care and development of PWDs in Nigeria.
“It is also aimed at Sensitising the State Directors on the need to domesticate the Discrimination Against Person with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, for the states yet to do so, among others,” Onwukwe said.
Also speaking, the Programme Manager, Social Inclusion of Sightsavers, Ms Esther Angulu said PWDs faced barriers to social services.
“We are excited that this conference brought together people to carry out activities that would enhance the lives of PWDs.
“We will continue to support the Ministry and stakeholders to enhance the lives of PWDs. We are proud to be associated with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the work you do for PWDs,” Angulu said.
Speaking on behalf of the directors, Mr Edward Yadzugwa, the Director of Rehabilitation from Adamawa, said the ministry had always carried them along in activities that concerned PWDs.
Similarly, Mr Sani Amar Rabe, Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat, FCTA said the lectures in the conference were eye openers.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the conference attracted 36 State Directors and Chief Executives in charge of rehabilitation of PWDs including the FCT.(NAN)