The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has said that the Federal Government is commitment towards enhancing the wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
The Minister disclosed this during a press briefing to commemorate the 2020 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in Abuja.
She said that this year’s theme: “Building Back Better: Toward a Disability- Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable post covid-19 world” is focused on ensuring that Persons with Disabilities are equipped and empowered for inclusive, accessible and sustainable development as is envisaged in the Covid-19 world.
In promoting the participation of PWDs in all aspects of life and their aspiring to leadership and decision-making positions, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs) was approved by President Muhammadu Buhari with the appointment of the Board and Executive Secretary of the Commission signifying the take-off of the Commission. The Commission is also responsible for the Education, Health, Economic and Civil rights of People with Disabilities.
The Minister also gave the assurance of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that persons living with disabilities have access to education, employment, social protection, health and other essential services.
The Minister said Part of efforts made by the Federal Government through the Humanitarian Ministry in enhancing the wellbeing of PWDs was the distribution of palliatives to Persons with Disabilities in Karmajiji, Yangoji and other PWDs communities within the FCT to cushion the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, adding that the ministry will continue to reach out to persons with disabilities with more interventions.
Farouq urged all to be sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities and the protection of their rights by supporting the provision of an enabling environment that will promote the realization of their potentials, saying this will enable them live fulfilled lives and make meaningful contributions to societal growth and development.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Bashir Nura Alkali, noted that the International Day for Persons with Disabilities is intended to prompt member States and other disability stakeholders to focus on issues related to total inclusion of PWDs in developments both as beneficiaries and agents, hold for public discussions, information campaigns and awareness on innovative ways and means of full integration of the PWDs into the society and development plans.
Represented by the Director Humanitarian Affairs of the Ministry, Grema Ali, the Permanent Secretary commended the media for collaborating with the Ministry since its creation in August, 2019.
He urged the press to disseminate the issues that affect PWDs to the members of the society and encourage their inclusion in all aspect of life.
Rhoda Ishaku Iliya
Deputy Director Information
1st December, 2020
