INCLUSION Magazine: Message From Publisher/CEO, Alhaji Hussaini Abdulrahman, FCNA, Wakili Arewa Nupe

By Inclusion Magazine Last updated Nov 20, 2021

The Albino Foundation Public Notice

It is with great sense of gratitude that I humbly once again appreciate and commend President Muhammadu Buhari for taking the bull by the horn to assent to the Discrimination against Persons with Disability Prohibition Act and also establish the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

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Since the enactment of the act three years ago, Persons with Disabilities have seen major improvement in their welfare packages across states, changing their once deplorable status in society.

We as major stakeholders in the struggles of persons with disabilities want to use this medium to call on state governments to emulate President Muhammadu Buhari’s kind gesture and domesticate the act in their respective states to curb the practices of discrimination.

Including issues of persons with disabilities in plans, policies and ensuring their involvement in all aspects of governance should be the priority of any administration.

So far out of the 36 states and the FCT, only, Plateau, Kano, Lagos, Adamawa, Cross River, Zamfara, Enugu, Kaduna and Jigawa are debating on the act which is quite sad.

Domestication and implementation of the act must be included in campaigns as we approach 2023 elections, policies, posters, promises wherein PWDs and Nigerians must hold government accountable before the end of their tenure, or if they are eligible to be voted into government.

Empowerment and employment at all levels of government should be a priority, we as a people must not relent to enforce the 5% slot for all MDAs and the private sector as mandated by the act.

If there are vacancies and opportunities, every Nigerian irrespective of their disability status, as long as the individual can deliver must be given a chance.

We would continuously use our medium (both print and online) to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Having sustainable incentives or a trust fund to cater for the health, education, economic and civil rights is also crucial at this point.

Nigeria must take its pride of place in the African region as a country that cares about the plight of persons with disabilities.

INCLUSION is a voice for persons with disabilities, let us together change the perceptions and myths on disabilities, and encourage ability in disabilities.

Finally, we as a medium cover all facets of life, our doors are open to partner with any organization that is committed to improving the plight of persons with disabilities.