National News
Stakeholders Call for Immediate Implementation of the National Disability Act
Stakeholders Call for Immediate Implementation of the National Disability Act
By: Michael Mike
Stakeholders have advocated for the immediately implementation of Discrimination Against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019 popularly called The National Disability Act.
The stakeholders who were at a two-day National Co-creations Stakeholders Convening in Abuja with a convergence of an array of stakeholders including Senior Special Assistants to governors on Disability related matters from different states in the Federation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Non-government Organisation (NGO) community representatives, implementing partners, Ministries, Departments & Agencies (MDAs) hosted by Centre for Ability Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE) in collaboration with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Community of Practice with the theme: “The National Disability Act post moratorium: Advancing Inclusion and accessibility for those vulnerable and outside the margin”, also called for the review and amendment of some sections of the act to conform with
emerging realities.
The stakeholders recalled that Discrimination Against Persons with disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2019 popularly called The National Disability Act was passed by the National Assembly and signed into an Act by President Muhammadu Buhari after almost 19 years of engagements with the National Assembly, adding that the Act with 10 parts seeks to protect the rights and ensure adequate inclusion of persons with disabilities in line with the United Nations Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), but that however “after 5 years of its existence, the implementation of the act had been considered to be at a snail-pace with several rights holders calling
for speedy actions while some sections require review/amendment to conform with
emerging realities.”
The communique read that: “The convening aimed to discuss advancing Inclusion and accessibility for those vulnerable and outside the margin post-moratorium of the Disability Act. With the recent elapsed moratorium period of the Act, on January 24th, 2024, it is imperative to come together to discuss the domestication and implementation stages at National and State levels and strategize the next steps to ensure that the Act not only continue
to protect Persons with Disabilities, but also advance the Inclusion and accessibility
for those who are most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.
The convening served as a convergence point, bringing together an array of
stakeholders including Senior Special Assistants to governors on Disability related
matters from different states in the Federation, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs),
Non-government Organisation (NGO) community representatives, implementing
partners, Ministries, Departments & Agencies.
The stakeholders identify gaps and challenges in mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities, particularly in budget allocation, appointments and modalities for implementation of penalties, sensitize and increase awareness among duty bearers and right-holders about the National Disability Act, 2019.
Stakeholders acknowledged several challenges faced after the
passage of the Disability Act at the National, State and local level, recognising that Part 1 of the National Disability Act used the term integration and not
Inclusion and this further increases the gap to ensure full Inclusion, as integration means bringing people together without providing reasonable accommodation as it relates to their diversity, while Inclusion does both.
They also recognize that some states have domesticated the Disability Law and established disability commission but, implementation is still very weak, while other states have neither domesticated nor even passed or drafted bill, disclosing that states that have domesticated and implemented the Disability Act include: Anambra, Lagos,
Ekiti, Rivers, Bauchi, Nassarawa, Abia, Delta. Kwara, Kaduna, Kano, kogi, Edo,
Adamawa, Plateau, Jigawa, and Ondo.
They said: “Though these states have domesticated the Act, the level of implementation varies. While the remaining states have not domesticated the Act.
“Minimum accessibility standard/regulation is yet to be a legal document. Tokenism is still an issue plaguing the full implementation of the Disability Act
as a lot of duty bearers have not fully adopted the human rights approach.
“Leaders who represent disability groups in meetings do not disseminate
information to other persons with disabilities and this leads to information gap. Victimization of persons with disabilities by political appointees who are also
persons with disabilities. Continuous discrimination of Persons with Disabilities in accessing Inclusive airline services and other forms of basic services.
“Little or no budget allocation for persons with Disabilities at all levels.”
Having acknowledged the gaps and challenges in the domestication and full
implementation of the National Disability Act 2019 through robust discussion, the
participants resolved: “To advocate for the removal of the word ‘’Integration’’ as enshrined in part one of the National Disability Act and rather replace with
‘’Inclusion’’ as this is more robust and tends to close the gap to provide a culture of diversity, equity and sense of belonging not contained in the National Disability Act.
“To work together, collaborate more to ensure the full Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities at all levels. To organise Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) members and ensure to meet with the Governor and or the
chief of Staff of Kwara State.
“To engage Commissioners in charge of Disability matters. To intensify advocacy efforts on the establishment of Disability
Commission through the use of radio and other media. To replicate this event in Anambra State to examine and evaluate the
implementation of the Act in collaboration with Anambra State Disability Commission.
“To bridge the communication gap between Persons with Disabilities and
Persons without Disabilities through the use of technology.
“To replicate same programme in Imo State to strengthen the capacity of
JONAPWD Executives and members in the state, increase advocacy to
ensure the passage of the disability law and establishment of the
disability commission in Imo State.
“To liaise with relevant stakeholders (Government and Private sector,
JONAPWD leadership, State commission for PWD, SA to governors etc) to strengthen collaboration in increasing advocacy for the
implementation and compliance to the state disability law.
“To replicate same programmes in other States to strengthen the capacity
of Disability groups and members in the state, increase advocacy to
ensure the domestication of the disability law, it’s full implementations
and to ensure the establishment of the disability commission at all state
levels.”
Stakeholders Call for Immediate Implementation of the National Disability Act
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
By: Michael Mike
In a decisive step to reverse land degradation, 39 land restoration projects led by grassroots organisations have been awarded USD 395,000 through the inaugural Small Grants Programme of the G20 Global Land Initiative (GLI), a flagship initiative of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
Drawn from 22 countries, the winning projects were selected for their innovation, impact and sustainability. Over 650 organisations from more than 100 countries applied for the award. The winners were selected following three rounds of review by separate UNCCD staff teams, with varied expertise in land management and restoration.
Awardees will receive between US$5,000 and US$15,000 to fund grassroots efforts that boost local economies, improve food and water security and strengthen ecosystem resilience.
The announcement was livestreamed at an event showcasing the grant winners.
The Small Grants Programme is an important tool for achieving the G20 GLI’s mission of reducing degraded land by 50 percent by 2040.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Director of the G20 Global Land Initiative,Dr. Muralee Thummarukudy, said: “We are aware that these big numbers, cannot be achieved by small initiatives alone. Yet, we feel, it is important that tens of thousands of small actors, engaged in land restoration around the world, be supported, promoted and recognized,”
Special priority was given to organisations accredited to UNCCD and to projects empowering Indigenous Peoples, youth, women and the elderly.
The programme was set up in 2024 to support community-level non-profit organisations worldwide. According to a statement, by directly supporting civil society and grassroot actors, these grants will generate measurable progress across global aided restoration priorities, such as soil fertility enhancement, forest regeneration, sustainable agriculture, agroecology and ecosystem-based adaptation.
The statement added that beyond reclaiming land, the projects are enhancing livelihoods, strengthening community climate resilience, and fostering social enterprise and eco-preneurship.
“When we do these small grants program, it is not just about the grant. It’s about the network which we create and the visibility it provides — both for those within it and those outside who can benefit from their knowledge and experience,” Thummarukudy added.
Three of the highest-scoring projects were showcased at the UNCCD Conference of the Parties held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in December 2024, to highlight their potential for scaling and replication across regions.
The statement also revealed that winners will also be showcased at select high-level events in the future, stating that the G20 GLI is committed to inclusive and continuous engagement, and is exploring future
collaboration opportunities for the applicants not selected in this round.
Stressing that “this is just the beginning, this will be an annual process, the next cohort is about to start,” Dr Thummarukudy invited community organisations doing land restoration to apply to join the network because both “big and small” [efforts] are important.
He noted that the second call for applications will open in 2025 with increased funding and expanded
support for grassroots restoration efforts worldwide.
Innovative community-led restoration initiatives are essential for creating green jobs, especially for youth and women..The awards provide support that can transform restoration into a catalyst for economic opportunity and sustainable environmental management.
Examples of selected 2024 grantees include: Legacy of War Foundation (Rwanda), which will restore six hectares of degraded soil while empowering 90 women as landowners of fully organic cooperative farms. By integrating climate-smart and artisanal farming methods, the project aims to improve soil fertility and agricultural resilience in post-conflict rural communities.
Up2Green Foundation (India) is restoring mangroves and riverbanks in Tamil Nadu, India. The project is reforesting 60 hectares and planting 15,000 fruit trees, enhancing biodiversity, strengthening coastal resilience for flood prevention, and training local communities in sustainable agroforestry practices.
Sustainability and Environmental Studies Endeavor (Nepal) is working to restore
ecological balance along the mythological Nagaraj Trail. By revitalizing degraded farms, wetlands and forests using nature-based solutions, the project promotes nature-inclusive agriculture and convivial conservation approaches.
The G20 Global Land Initiative was launched in 2020 under the Saudi G20 Presidency. Hosted by the UNCCD, its ambition is to reduce degraded land by 50 percent by 2040. By showcasing
land restoration, empowering civil society, engaging the private sector and building capacity, G20 GLI is driving restoration to scale and energizing a restoration economy. The Small Grants Programme is a key component of this vision, empowering civil society to restore degraded lands and promote sustainable land management at scale.
UN Agency Gives USD 395,000 to 39 Land Restoration Projects Worldwide
National News
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
By: Michael Mike
Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep grief over the passing of prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
The late Dantata, an uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, passed away at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Saturday in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), who confirmed the death.
In a condolence message, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
VP Shettima Mourns Late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Says Nigeria Has Lost An Irreplaceable Institution
National News
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
By: Michael Mike
The Senior Officials Meeting between Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.
A statement on Saturday by the Press Officer, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Modestus Chukwulaka, read: “The Delegation of European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS wishes to inform that the Senior Officials Meeting between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union (EU) will be held on Tuesday 1st and Wednesday 2nd July 2025 in Abuja.
“The agenda of the very important meeting is to prepare for the upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting and to explore areas of cooperation.”
According to the statement, the Senior Officials Meeting will be co-chaired by the Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Ambassador Janet Olisa, Director, and the Deputy Managing Director for Africa Department, European External Action Service, European Union, Mr Mathieu Briens.
The statement revealed that the agenda of the meeting is expected to entail wide-ranging discussions that would focus on various aspects of the Nigeria – EU partnership, such as: Cooperation on multilateral and regional issues; Peace, Security and Governance; Humanitarian situation; Trade and Investment; Human Development: Health, Education, Social Protection; Science, technology, innovation and digital transition; Migration; Energy, climate change and green economy transition among others.
Nigeria and the European Union share a deep, long-standing partnership inspired by mutual values and interests as well as support for multilateralism and rule-based international order, the statement said.
Nigeria-EU Senior Officials Meet in Abuja to Prepare for Upcoming Nigeria – EU Ministerial Meeting
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