By Ebi Kesiena
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has proclaimed that Persons With Disabilities are endowed with special talents and must be given confidence in order to develop rather than losing them to pity.
Speaking at the maiden edition of the Open House Event organized by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, the ES highlighted that most persons with Disabilities are gifted in craftsmanship and have produced numerous household items including fashion wears. He also mentioned that those in academia are performing excellently in their various fields.
“I am proud to inform you all that we have our own in the fields of Medicine, Pharmacy, Economics and an array of them in the legal profession” he disclosed.
Lalu also stressed that PWDs should be appreciated for their laudable contributions in the society.
“It may also Interest you to know that the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities has created a standard braille center at the commission for the visually impaired lawyers who are determined to prove their ability beyond every reasonable doubt in Courtroom”.
The Commission boss equally spoke extensively on the importance of Sign language. He then buttressed this with the presentation of the Sign language dictionary to one of the participants at the event.
Lalu seized the platform to appreciate the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadia Umar Farouq for putting up the programme to showcase the activities of the Agencies under the Ministry.
The ES as well thanked the Minister for keeping to her promise by distributing the conditional cash transfer through the various Social Safety Net Programmes reeled out by the president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
The Minister, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadia Umar Farouq later in her address appreciated the participants and various stakeholders for the uncommon demonstration of support towards making the programme successful. She reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to continue to advance the course of persons with Disabilities across board.
The Minister remarked that President Muhammadu Buhari meant his words when he said he will lift about 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years. She alluded this statement to the creation of National Social Investment Program (N-SIP), N-POWER, Government Enterprise Empowerment Program (GEEP), National Home Grown School Feeding Programme (NHGSFP).
She further reaffirmed that the Ministry will not relent in providing adequate support to the youths and most vulnerable in the country. She therefore urged the public especially the youths to subscribe to the numerous Federal Government programmes to develop their skills for the overall growth of Nigeria.
