Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station

Tag: persons with disabilities

  • Materials required for PWDs to vote available – INEC

    As part of preparations for Osun State governorship polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has reiterated its commitment to regular training of personnel in order to address issues relating to Persons with Disabilities, PWDs during the election scheduled for July, 16th.

    The Acting Director, Gender and Inclusivity Department, INEC, Abuja, Mrs. Lakunuya Bello Stated this during a Programme in Osogbo. 

    Mrs. Bello said relevant materials required for all categories of PWDs to vote on the Election Day had been made available by the Commission so that none of them would be disenfranchised. 

    While responding on the topic Importance of PWDs Political Participation as Candidates and Voters, the Special Adviser to Osun Speaker, Mr Kehinde Onitiju urged politicians to support PWDs in various capacities of need. 

    Also, another participant, Mrs Funmilayo Abdullahi, who bemoaned the negative attitudes of some members of the public towards PWDs during elections called on INEC to sensitize the public to desist from such discouraging attitudes.

    Earlier in a remark, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Abdulhganiyi Raji, said soon all its offices would be designed for easy access for persons with disabilities and encouraged them to participate and take active roles in politics. 

    Professor Raji added that according to statistics given by the United Nations,15 percent population of the world are PWDs, in other words about 30 million people in Nigeria are PWDs, hence their active participation is germane to the success of the polls.

    Mojisola Oladele

  • National Commission For Persons With Disability Set To Take-Off – Sadiya Umar Farouq

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, has announced the take off the National Disability Commission following the approval of the appointment of the Executive Members of the Commission by Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday 24th of August 2020.

    In a statement by Special Adviser, Strategic Communications, Halima Oyelade the Minister said since her appointment in 2019 she had reiterated her commitment to following up to ensure the take-off of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

    ”Today is a very happy and fulfilling day for me as one of the vulnerable groups that are close to my heart finally have a Commission and Executives in place to cater to their needs, protect their rights and provide an enabling environment for them to maximize their potentials, thrive and contribute valuably to the society and the Nation as a whole.

    I thank President Muhammadu Buhari for accenting to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2019 last year which provides for the establishment of the Commission.

     By approving the  appointment of the Executive Secretary, Chairman and members of the Council of the Commission  ’His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari has once again, proved his commitment and desire to improve the quality of life of vulnerable groups in Nigeria and ensure they enjoy their full rights and privileges as citizens of Nigeria’’.

     ‘’I congratulate our brothers and sisters living with disabilities in Nigeria for the realization of this worthy dream and encourage you to make use of the opportunity this Commission provides you  to be united in the pursuit of your dreams of social inclusion’’ the Minister stated’’

    The statement adds that while urging chairman and members of Council to carry out their responsibilities with due diligence, the minister gave assurance that once the Senate confirms the appointments, the Commission will take-off accordingly.

    ‘’The functions of the Commission include;the formulation and implementation of policies and guidelines as appropriate for the education and social development of persons with disabilities, preparation of schemes designed to promote social welfare of persons with disabilities, promoting and uplifting the general well being of persons with disabilities by encouraging the public to change their negative attitude towards persons with disabilities.’’ The Minister concluded.

    Adedayo Adelowo