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Nigeria calls for establishment of ECOWAS agency for disability Affairs
Nigeria calls for establishment of ECOWAS agency for disability Affairs
…To Seal Offices Not Accessible to Persons With Disability
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria government has called for the establishment of the ECOWAS Agency for Disability Affairs (EADA)
This, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mr. Abel Enitan said would ensure an all-inclusive region, where persons with disabilities in member states are not left
Enitan said this would add to help in the integration of all regional policies and strategies on disabilities.
The Permanent Secretary said this on Thursday in Abuja at the opening of a-two day maiden edition of meeting of ministers in charge of disability inclusion in West Africa. The meeting is meant to adopt the region’s action plan for the inclusion of disabilities.
He advises member states that are yet to ratify the relevant disability instruments to do so quickly.
He said: “In order to make an all-inclusive region for persons with disabilities in member states, Nigeria is calling for the establishment of the “ECOWAS Agency for Disability Affairs” EADA to integrate regional disability policies and strategies for rehabilitation and equal opportunity in the community, as well as provide a mechanism to protect, promote, support, and respect the actions of people with disabilities.
“This affirmative action must be viewed through the prism of human diversity, while ensuring that individuals with disabilities have as many opportunities as possible to participate in all levels of decision making in ECOWAS, in the spirit of “Nothing about us without us,” so that no one falls behind.”
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the importance of disability inclusion, which he said “remains a critical issue in the region, with millions of individuals experiencing barriers to empowerment initiatives and social protection, among others.”
He challenged the ECOWAS Commission to employ people with disability “as part of the Commission’s effort to prioritise inclusion.
He added that based on human right, “disability is a part of human diversity that must be respected and supported in all its forms, people with disability have the same right as everyone else in society.”
Speaking on what Nigeria has done to ensure inclusion, Enitan said Nigeria ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of people with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2007 and passed the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act 2018 and subsequently approved the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, with the mandate to coordinate and implement activities that ensure the inclusion of persons with Disabilities into society in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, civil rights, and related matters, as outlined in the Act.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, Prof Fatou Sow Sarr, on her part, stressed the vulnerability of people living with disabilities.
Sarr said the regional body has intensified efforts and is working with various bodies to initiate programmes to provide palliatives.
She also revealed that the Commission was currently implementing a pilot project in Togo and Nigeria which will provide assisting devices to children with disabilities.
This programme, she said, is expected to cover other member states in the future.
Meanwhile, public offices not accessible to people living with disabilities will be sealed, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special needs and equal opportunities, Mohammed Abba-Isa, has said.
Abba-Isa said that President Bola Tinubu is expected to launch the presidential Committee for accessibility this third quarter.
The Committee, according to him, has been saddled with the responsibility of implementing the country’s disability Act.
Abba-Isa said Ministries, Departments and Agencies that fails to restructure to accommodate easy accessibility for people with disability will be sealed as part of the implementation policy of disabikity inclusion.
The presidential aide noted that the grace period given to the offices had expired.
He spoke in Abuja at the opening of a two day maiden edition of meeting of ministers in charge of disability inclusion in West Africa. The meeting is meant to adopt the region’s action plan for the inclusion of disabilities.
He said, “Mr. President has mandated my office to make sure I implement the regional action plan.
“We are going to launch accessibility committee. We are going to engage with all the MDAs.
“We are going to launch a presidential taskfoce all because if you look at the moratorium or grace period given to all these buildings to modify or adjust has passed, the five years moratorium period.
“ So we are now in the implementation stage and Mr President has given us the mandate.
“ All these offices that did not comply we are going to seal them because we are at the implemetation stage. “
He stressed that Ignorance of the law is not an excuse.
So we are liaising with the Ministry of Humanitarian and Povery Alleviation, other agencies and the National.Commission for Persons with Disability to set up the committee and Mr President will soo launch the committee.
He said the committee is going to checkmate all the charade against accessibility of public buildings by people with disabilities.
He however said it is going to be a gradual process since the Act was recently signed into law.
Citing the case of United States, Abba-Isa said despite 35 years of existence of the law, there are still some buildings that are not accessibile for people with disability.
Nigeria calls for establishment of ECOWAS agency for disability Affairs
Yobe State launches State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons
By: Mamman Mohammed
Yobe state has emerged the first state to launch a State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons, becoming a role model state for handling Displaced Persons.
The Policy was launched today by Governor Mai Mala Buni CON at a ceremony well attended by members of the diplomatic community, donor agencies, the World Bank and other development partners.
The World Bank, National Emergency Management Agency and the National Commission for Refugees among others commended Yobe state government for developing a policy document that meets best practice and standards.
The World Bank and other agencies commended Governor Buni for hos steadfastness and commitment, assuring support to the state goverment.
Gov. Buni said tge state government took deliberate and calculated measures to come up with the policy document that is holistic, comprehensive and in compliance with international standards.
“This policy was a result of extensive consultations and collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders, including UN agencies, the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, local communities, non-governmental organizations, Civil Society Organizations, traditional rulers, international donor partners, and notably the displaced persons themselves and representatives of various communities. It embodies our collective determination to protect the rights and dignity of IDPs, offering them a pathway to regain their stability and rebuild their lives towards a durable solution.
“By prioritizing the holistic well-being of IDPs, we aim to foster sustainable development and promote peace and stability within our state and across Nigeria. The Policy is grounded in key principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. It outlines our strategic objectives in providing protection, ensuring
access to essential services, and fostering sustainable solutions for displacement”. .
Yobe State launches State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons
Gwoza Bomb Blast: Jaiz Bank PLC Donates N10 Million Naira To Victims….
… Borno Acting Governor Assures Judicious Disbursement
By: Our Reporter
Jaiz Bank of Nigeria has donated 10 million Naira to provide medical support to the victims of Gwoza Bomb Blast. The bank presented the cheque worth millions of naira as part of its corporate social responsibility to the community.
Receiving the delegation at the Council Chamber Government House Maiduguri Dr. Kadafur received the cheque for onward disbursement to the victims of Gwoza Bomb Blast. He assured that the medical support will be channeled appropriately to the victims while thanking the bank’s board and management for their gesture and support to the people and government of Borno state.
Earlier, while presenting the donation to the Acting Governor Dr.Umar Usman Kadafur, the chairman Board of Directors of the bank, Alhaji Muhammed Mustapha Bintube said the board and management of the bank considered it necessary to contribute their quota and complement the efforts of the state government in supporting the victims in this trying times.
” This unfortunate and needless loss of lives is indeed a huge loss not only to the Gwoza community but also to Borno state and the county at large.
” we sincerely empathise with the affected families and extend our hands of affinity to the Gwoza Community and the entire people of the state,” Bintube said.
He commended the state governor and his deputy for the good work being done for the people and assured of the bank’s continuous support to the government and people of Borno State.
Malam Mustapha Bintube prayed to Allah to forestall future occurence of the mishap and quick return of peace to the state.
Present at the gathering include Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Bukar Tijjani, Acting Head of Service Dr.Abubakar Sadiq, Commissioner for Transport and Energy Hon. Aliyu Lawan Buba, Commissioner for Local Government And Emirate Affairs, Alhaji Sugun Mai Mele, Permanent Secretary Administration and General Services Governor’s Office Dr. Muhammed Ghuluze, APC Party chairman Gwoza local government, Abdullahi Danjatau, Council Secretary Hajiya Fatima Musa, Special Advisers among others.
Highlight of the session was the symbolic presentation of the cheque to the Acting Governor.
Gwoza Bomb Blast: Jaiz Bank PLC Donates N10 Million Naira To Victims….
Minister of Police Affairs visits Borno State.
By: Liman Goje
The Minister of police affairs distinguished Senator Ibrahim Gaidam CON, today paid a visit to the government and good people of Borno State. The Minister expresses his shock and sadness on the recent bomb blast that claims the lives of innocent citizens.
“I am here today on behalf of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the entire nation to stand in solidarity with the people of Borno State following the recent bomb blast that has caused profound grief and distress in our community.
First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who tragically lost their lives in this senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time. To the injured, we wish them a speedy recovery and assure them that they always have our unwavering support. “
Gaidam further said, “This attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges we face in our fight against terrorism. The government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is resolute in its commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice and enhancing security measures to prevent such incidents in the future. We will work tirelessly to ensure that Borno State is a safe and secure place for all its residents. “
Shortly after he left the Borno State Government House, Senator Gaidam paid a condolence visit to the former Governor of Borno State HE, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, over the loss of his Mother. “Losing a parent is one of the most profound losses one can endure, and our hearts go out to you and your family during this time of mourning. Your mother’s legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the values she instilled. “
In his closing, Remark, shortly before his departure, Gaidam offered prayers for Almighty Allah to grant Sheriffs mother rest in Jannatul firdaus. “We stand with you in your grief and offer our full support as you navigate this difficult period. May you find strength and comfort in the cherished memories of your mother, Gaidam added.
Minister of Police Affairs visits Borno State.
Yobe State launches State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons
Gwoza Bomb Blast: Jaiz Bank PLC Donates N10 Million Naira To Victims….
Minister of Police Affairs visits Borno State.
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