By Ere-ebi Agedah
The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities Mr. James David Lalu received in audience a delegation from the Albino foundation and declared that the synergy between the Commission and the Foundation will accentuate the political participation of PWDs across the country.
Speaking at the meeting on Monday, the ES described the visit as a platform that will promote visibility and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities especially during voting exercise.
“This is an opportunity to continue to negotiate our inclusion and also determine who occupies positions of authority in the interests of Persons with Disabilities.”
Mr. Lalu reaffirmed that Voter-Ability is an important platform for PWDs to demonstrate their strength in the polity.
The ES commended the projects intended by the Foundation with support from European Union and informed that it is in line with the Commission’s mandate and vision.
He, therefore, promised to give maximum support to the programme while ensuring its total success.
According to him, Sign language has come to stay and will be given express attention.
“It is interesting to note that there are diverse sign languages in Nigeria and this had compelled the Commission to produce the sign language dictionary as a guide for seamless interpretation for the deaf community.
We have equally gone a step further to facilitate the National policy on sign language” he explained.
The Commission boss further reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fighting skin cancer through various intervention programmes.
Lastly, the Executive Secretary informed that signing of the MOU will be facilitated very soon so as to commence the project execution process.
Earlier in his address, the founder and CEO, ALBINO foundation, Mr Jake Ekpelle unequivocally announced that the Executive Secretary is the right man for the job. He subtly acknowledged the resilience and passion demonstrated by the ES over the years in addressing Disability- related matters.
“I have seen the genuineness of James Lalu and I have no doubt about his competence.” He said.
Ekpelle took time to reel out the projects outlined by the Foundation and seized the occasion to solicit the cooperation of the Executive Secretary.
He said that part of the project intended include: voter-ability, Elect-ability, Elect- Hub which is tech- based targeting about 100- 150 PWDs to be elected during 2023 voting exercise.
Furthermore, he spoke on the establishment of a Data center for PWDs which carries an application to get an on the spot capacity to report the events during electioneering.
According to him, Sign language interpreters have become essentials in the Disability community and will be incorporated in the legislative process at the National Assembly.
The high point of the visit was the presentation of the 5- year strategic plan of the Commission to the CEO, ALBINO Foundation by the Executive Secretary.
