Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the National Assembly is set to prioritize bills and laws concerning Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring their full integration into the nation’s affairs.
Akpabio made this statement during his address at the commemoration of the International Day for PWDs, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
The 2023 event, organized by the National Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities, centered around the theme ‘Renewing Hope Together for Disability Inclusive Societies.’
Akpabio highlighted the commendable efforts of nations worldwide in fostering environments embracing diversity and inclusion for PWDs. Emphasizing the significance of the day, he expressed that it provides an invaluable opportunity for Nigeria to learn from global best practices, contributing to a more inclusive society.
He said,
“In expressing our commitment, the Nigerian Senate stands firmly with the NCPWD. Our endorsement is a tangible pledge to actively engage in global dialogue on creating an inclusive society.
“Let’s embrace the opportunity to renew hope together. May Nigeria be recognised for its diversity and ability to ensure that every citizen regardless of ability status is valued and included.
He explained that the Day provides an invaluable opportunity to learn from these global best practices that will contribute to a more inclusive Nigeria.
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He said,
“In expressing our commitment, the Nigerian Senate stands firmly with the NCPWD. Our endorsement is a tangible pledge to actively engage in global dialogue on creating an inclusive society.
“Let’s embrace the opportunity to renew hope together. May Nigeria be recognised for its diversity and ability to ensure that every citizen regardless of ability status is valued and included.
“We know that laws are made, but we need to make laws to ensure that everybody’s interest is recognised and carried along.”
Akpabio added,
“The 10th Assembly; both the Senate and House of Representatives are very open to expedite motions and bills concerning PWDs. This is something that we are passionate about.
“We expect to hear from you as quickly as possible. We would be in haste to make sure that those bills are given priority and considered in the 10th Assembly.”
Representing Akpabio at the event, Senate Minority Whip Senator Osita Ngwu reiterated the Senate’s commitment.
Similarly, Dr. Bashir Dawodu, Chairman of the Committee on Disability in the House of Representatives, affirmed their dedication to reviewing laws concerning disability, particularly focusing on the evolving needs of women and children.
Dr. Betta Edu, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, disclosed that her ministry allocates 10 percent of its 21 programs to PWDs, underlining the government’s commitment to their welfare.
“So, in simple terms, if the president said clearly that 50 million persons will be pulled out of poverty, ten per cent out of the 50 million will be PWDs.
“The budget for NCPWD is too low. We must put our money where our mouth is. So on behalf of the over 35 million PWDs in Nigeria, we are pleading with the uncommon leadership of the National Assembly to please improve on the budget for NCPWD,” Edu pleaded.
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The Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr. James Lalu, expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for its support and appealed for continued collaboration to fulfill the commission’s mandate. Lalu also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, development partners, and stakeholders in the achievements recorded so far.
He said,
“For the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, we thank you for making the Commission a priority, and giving us all the support we needed to excel”.
Various stakeholders, including the Government of Osun, Sight Savers, the British High Commission in Nigeria, and others, expressed their commitment to working with NCPWD.
The event received support from organizations such as The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, Sight Savers, Plan International, UN Nigeria, Disability Right Fund, Clinton Health Access Initiative, The World Bank, Inclusive Friends, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office.
In attendance to support NCPWD and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs was the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, represented by the Director of Public Relations, Omolara Essan.
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