…Says initiative will boost PWDs interventions in Nigeria
The Federal Government has inaugurated the Nigeria Partnership for Disability Inclusive Development (NIPDID) to drive programmes and interventions for Persons With Disabilities(PWDs).
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Farouq, Speaking during the launch in Abuja recently, said the programme would be implemented through the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities (NCPWD) with the support from development partners.
The minister Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, explained that the Commission is empowered to regulate and enforce the provisions in the Disability Act for Compliance by government and private institutions.
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.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, James Lalu said the formation of the Nigeria Partnership for Disability-Inclusive Development is a beautiful initiative.
According to him, “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, 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, 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 minimise 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.