The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has assured the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) of the Commission’s commitment to the continues improvement of the wellbeing, rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Mr. James Lalu made the assurance while receiving the Executive Members of JONAPWD in Abuja.
Lalu described the umbrella body for Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD as an organization built with solid foundation. He acknowledged JONAPWD activities and advocacy that have over the years given visibility and inclusion to PWDs across the country.
The ES reiterated that the struggles in the last Nineteen years has paid off via President Muhammadu Buhari’s establishment of the National Commission. He also seized the occasion to inform that his appointment was divine and promised to do all within his powers and within the ambit of the 2018 Act to support and advance the course of persons with disabilities through JONAPWD.
Moreover, the Executive Secretary seized the occasion to remind the PWDs that their needs precede mere crutches, guide cane or wheelchairs. He enjoined them to focus more on innovative programmes that will build their capacity for better living.
He equally informed that the National Disability summit has come to stay and will be held every year as he hopes that subsequent editions will be ‘bigger and better’.
Furtherance to his commitment, the ES hinted that the Commission will provide office space for the Association and also ensure that zonal offices spring up come 2022 to aid the operationalization of JONAPWD.
In his words, “No knowledge is too small to acquire and no one is an island; we must continue to seek knowledge because it gives power and makes one relevant in the society”.
He therefore, charged the entire community of Persons with disabilities not to be deterred by their condition but continually strive for the best in life.
Finally, the ES thanked the entire bodies of the Association for standing by him all through the challenges since his appointment and reassured them of the Commission’s unflinching support.
In a swift response, the President of the Association, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Usman expressed his excitement and thanked the ES for his warm reception.
He appreciated the Commission’s helmsman for successfully hosting the 1st National Disability Summit which he said was long over due.
Com. Abdullahi opined that the summit provided the window to accessibility, inclusion and visibility in terms of showcasing the enormous abilities behind their disabilities.
Still in the mood of gratitude, he extolled Lalu’s exemplary leadership qualities especially, in caring and carrying the PWDs along on Federal government’s policies.