By Ere-ebi Agedah
In furdance of its commitment towards improving on the quality of life for Persons With Disability, the Federal Government has launched the Nigeria Partnership for Disability-Inclusive Development, NIPDID stating that 100million Nigerians will be brought out of poverty.
Speaking during the launch in Abuja on Monday, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo explained that this was in line with FG commitment to further solidify efforts and activities to enhance the lives of Persons with Disabilities, PWDs in the country.
According to Sani-Gwarzo, FG efforts have been exemplified through the assistance of development partners adding that the interest of these partners in providing both technical and financial support to PWDs in Nigeria could not be over emphasized.
Sani-Gwarzo acknowledged and appreciated the support from World Bank, Sightsaver, Save the children, Leprosy Mission, Commonwealth Office in the British High Commission in Nigeria and many others stressing that this was a major milestone for disability inclusion in Nigeria.
He said the supports of the partners to the passage of the Discrimination against PWDs Prohibition Act and the subsequent establishment of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NCPWD were sincerely noted and appreciated.
“However, it is discouraging that some local and international organisations providing interventions on disability-inclusive development in Nigeria do so without coordination or recognition of the role of NCPWD and the ministry.
“I want to bring to your esteem attention that the Commission will continue to play roles that are vital in the coordination of all intervention including regulatory functions as it concerns disability in the country.
“In our part, we will continue to honour and respect all our commitment to international treaties and signing the African Protocol on Disabilities before the end of this year.
“The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq has approved ten per cent affirmation for PWDs in all our programmes and projects.
“We also request all development partners to dedicate ten per cent affirmation for PWDs in their programmes and projects in the country,” Sani-Gwarzo pleaded.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James David Lalu said the formation of the Nigeria Partnership for Disability-Inclusive Development is a beautiful initiative and the impact of the Federal government must be felt at the grassroot.
“This will bring us together to work as one team to develop and implement programmes and projects. It will also provide us with a common platform to exchange ideas, plans and approaches to improve the lives of PWDs.
“On behalf of over 35.5 million Nigerians with disabilities, I want to appreciate our partners who have been in Nigeria, working for many years to support the disability community,” Lalu said.
Furthermore, the Country Director, World Bank Nigeria, Mr Shubham Chaudhuri and the Head of Governance and Stability at the British High Commission in Nigeria, Ms Elizabeth Drew reiterated their commitments to the partnership and support for the disability community in Nigeria.
In same vein, the Country Advocacy Coordinator of Sightsavers, Mrs Esther Bature noted that the passage of the Discrimination against PWDs Prohibition Act and establishment of NCPWD, increased awareness of issues relating to PWDs.
“However, this group being inaugurated today would help the commission to coordinate and also help partners to complement each other and minimize duplication of works.
“We are happy that NCPWD has a five year development plan. It will also help partners to key into it. Sightsaver is proud to be part of this initiative and will continue to support the commission,” she said.
