In an effort to mitigate the consequences of over-dependence of Person’s with visual impairment on the larger society for their daily living, the Federal Government has commenced the capacity building and training workshop on activities for independent daily living Bauchi State North East region of Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs,Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq, represented by the Director Special Needs Mrs. Nkechi Onwukwe said” at the end of the training, participants are expected to be more empowered, confident and independent in performing their everyday tasks of in-house activities social interactions as well as making informed choices that are crucial to their lives”.
According to the Minister,” the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other Agencies of Government will continue to develop and implement polices and programmes that will impact positively on the lives of the most vulnerable Nigerian”.
“The establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities by the Present Administration is an indication of how committed the Federal Government of President Muhammed Buhari, is tacking the most challenging issues of Disabilities in Nigeria”.
She mentioned that recently, the Nigerian Farm-craft Centre for the Blind in Isheri Olofin, Lagos graduated 55 trainees that acquired skills ranging from ICT, handcraft and catering services amongst others.
The Minister urged the stakeholders ,Government and Non-Governmental organisations on improved access to public facilities as this will enable person with Disabilities generally participate more actively in societal activities and adapt positively to challenges of impairment.
She enjoined the public to change attitudes towards Person’s with Disabilities especially the visually impaired by promoting interventions that could enhance independent living for the development of healthy self-esteem.
The 30 participants including their aides and Directors of Rehabilitation in the zones are expected to cascade the training to others in their zones.
The Permanent Secretary,represented by Mallam Hassan Maidugu Assistant Director Special Needs Department reiterated that Integrating and enhancing the well-being of the Person’s with Disabilities remains a priority of Government.
The Representative of the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Community Relations and Social Welfare Babayo Kesa Bauchi State, Honourable Brisca Joram Aaron Executive Secretary of the State’s Agency for Persons with Disabilities the State Government has prioritized PWDs by establishing the agency for first time in the North East .
She appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to increase it’s Social Intervention Programme such as the N-Power, Soft loan and employment to Persons with special needs in Bauchi State.
Grace Osuji
Principal Information Officer
For:DD (Information)
