Protecting Rights Of PWDs Is Everyone’s Business – NCPWD Boss
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The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) will continue to engage with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development on programmes that will uplift the lives of persons with disabilities.
Executive Secretary of NCPWD, James David Lalu, said this in Abuja at a one-day event organized by the Ministry for State Directors responsible for the rehabilitation of persons with disabilities.
While appreciating the Ministry for bringing together stakeholders in the 36 States to brainstorm for possible policy review, Lalu said protecting the rights of PWDs is everyone’s business.
He appreciated the states that had domesticated the Disability Act in their governance structures, adding that the “policy on Accessibility is very sensitive and goes beyond the usual ramps. He lamented the society’s attitude at public places causing obstruction at Access points meant for PWDs.”
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Bashir Nura Alkali, in his address, said the Ministry was “responsive to conduct assessment visit to the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory in collaboration with producers of assistive devices that will help alleviate the challenges of PWDs.”
Alkali said such intervention includes the Conditional Cash transfer to relieve the hardship orchestrated by the effects of COVID-19 on the community of persons with disabilities.
He urged Directors responsible for the special needs desk not to relent on their efforts in coordinating the welfares of persons with disabilities.
He charged them to come up with implementable recommendations that will aid the collective mandate.
The Director of Special Needs in the Ministry, Nkechi Onwukwe, said the Ministry had recorded some achievements in its efforts to make life comfortable for PWDs, by giving support to the NCPWD and monitoring the progress recorded in terms of improving the lives of PWDs.
