Joyce Onwuka
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More than 35 million Nigerians with disabilities have called for domestication and full implementation of Disability Act across all levels of governance. |
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The Acting Executive Director of a non-governmental organization, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call on behalf of the group at the 7th Anniversary of Disability Act held in Abuja. |
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The Disability Act, which came into existence seven years ago, is a landmark legislation to facilitate the inclusion of persons with disabilities PWDs in all facets of social, economic, and political life. |
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The Acting Director, Center for Citizens with Disabilities, Mr David Unumeri, who attributed lack of domestication and full implementation as factors affecting the expected results from the Act, called for an institutional framework, political will, and collaboration among the community of Persons with disabilities for the Act to gain momentum. |
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A Representative of the Senior Special Adviser to the President, Bola Tinubu, on special needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Lanre Oloyede, noted that progress had been made, especially with the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, but expressed concern over the challenges facing the act. |
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” Many of these states are yet to establish functional implementation and enforcement Agencies, rendering domestication largely symbolic rather than impactful,” he said. |
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Also, the Founder of the Center for Citizens with Disabilities and Convener, Mr David Anyaele encouraged the members of the group to push more for their inclusion in governance. |
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The keynote speaker, Dr Sam Amadi, who spoke on the theme of the event, Nigeria s Disability Act Raising the Momentum for Effective Implementation, emphasized the need for People with Disabilities to keep hope alive. |
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The event featured a panel discussion from representatives of various relevant groups to Champion the inclusion of People with Disabilities. |