The Albino Foundation Seek Partnership With The National Commission For Persons With Disabilities
The Albino Foundation Public Notice
The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) have assured The Albino foundation of its readiness to formalize a partnership and collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Chairman of the Commission, James David Lalu, gave the assurance when he received a Management team from the Albino foundation, Led by the Chief Executive Officer, Amb. Jake Epelle, at the Commission’s meeting room in Abuja.
Amb. Epelle endorsed the interventions made by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and expressed willingness to execute the five strands of the European Union disability inclusion project geared towards a more inclusive, participatory, and representative democracy in Nigeria, with guidance by the commission.
In his words, “We want to also identify with commission by letting you know some of the strands of the project and officially communicate to you that Albino Foundation is the face of disability in the European Union, and we are doing this project not only by ourselves but guided by the commission. So, we would be communicating with your team, briefing you every step of the way, asking for your open collaboration and partnership”
Amb. Epelle asked for the Executive Secretary’s recommendation of sign language experts who will work at the national assembly, but will be under the foundation’s payroll, using the existing project budget for a three years engagement. According to him, the nominees will go through standard interview process using criteria that will be developed, making sure the right persons are hired.
In Response, Executive secretary of The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) highly commended the projects rolling out from the Albino Foundation as it is a way of sending a message to the political leaders that PWDs can participate in the system.
According to him, “we are very much interested to partner with the Albino Foundation to achieve all of these very beautiful programmes that you’re rolling out”.
“Election votability is something very important and sensitive. Disability community as we are today in Nigeria, we must demonstrate our voter capacity and voter capability in the nation today. Our proper participation in the political process is something that is very important to showcase the strength of the disability community for these politicians”.
Mr. Lalu voiced his total commitment and willingness to collaborate with the foundation especially in the area of Data sharing for better information and planning, adding that the commission is working towards harmonizing their common sign language into a national sign language and the expansion of the sign language dictionary.
The Executive Secretary suggested signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Albino foundation, to enable the commission identify its primary role and work towards achieving success on the programmes. He added that the commission is willing to commit ten million naira (10,000,000) of their funds for the year to support fight against skin cancer for persons with albinism.
He gave assurances that his partnership with the Foundation will guarantee sustainability, as whatever the commission does with the foundation will be included in their budget going forward, so that whenever the foundation’s funded programme ends, the commission will continue and inject it into their system.
Mr. Lalu presented a copy of the 2022-2026 strategic plan document to Amb. Jake Epelle, intended to prioritize the activities of the commission and ensure that the nation tap from the potentials of persons with disabilities, culminating in inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of National development.
