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
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
Farida Waziri Tasks Benue Leaders to Unite, Act and Save Their People
…. Donates relief materials to displaced persons in Yelwata, IDP camp
By: Michael Mike
Former Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Mrs. Farida Waziri has charged former governors, legislators, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in Benue state to set aside rivalry, unite and act with urgency to save their people from incessant attacks and killings.
Waziri, a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police and Principal Partner, Brookfield Chambers Abuja stated this on Saturday 28th June 2025 while donating relief materials to victims of the recent gunmen attacks in Yelwata community and displaced persons at the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Makurdi, the Benue state capital.
Some of the items donated under the banner of Women, Youth, Children and Crime Organisation (WYCCO), a non-governmental organization founded by her, include: bags of rice, sugar, tubers of yam and other household items.
She said: “This is no time for division. It is no time for political squabbling or ego-driven manoeuvring. Among us are men and women who have led this state — former governors, legislators, traditional rulers — individuals with influence and authority. The time has come to set aside our differences and stand united, for the sake of the ordinary Benue man, woman, and child.
“That is why I stand here today to make this urgent and heartfelt appeal to our leaders: cast aside rivalry, unite, and act. Act with urgency. Act with purpose. Because what we face now increasingly resembles a deliberate, coordinated effort to erase our people and our heritage.
“We must take heed of the words of Sir Winston Churchill, who once said:
‘Our difficulties and dangers will not be removed by closing our eyes to them.’
Another of Churchill’s warnings is just as relevant to our present predicament:
‘If you will not fight for right when you can easily win without bloodshed… you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival.”
Waziri, while stating that her call was a build up to the earlier proposal by President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit Beforehand Benue, noted that meetings alone would not solve the problem, urging that: “But let us be sincere: peace will not come from meetings alone. To end the cycle of violence, we must confront its roots. Before the Yelwata massacre, communities in Gwer West, Apa, and Guma had already endured weeks of killings, kidnappings, and raids. These horrors did not emerge in a vacuum; they are symptoms of deeper issues.
“We must therefore confront the real causes — ethnic and religious tensions, unchecked banditry, and the rise of cultism as well as the abuse of illicit drugs. These forces must be tackled, along with the herder-farmer conflict, with honesty and courage. We cannot afford to keep going in circles. And there is no room for blame games. Our leaders — and indeed, all of us — must be pragmatic. So today, let us commit, as one people, to healing our wounds, reclaiming our land, and ensuring that never again will a child in Benue grow up in a camp instead of a home”
She said the development in Benue must be of “concern to all sons and daughters of Benue regardless of whether we live within its borders or far away in the diaspora to find out the root cause of these attacks with a view to proferring solutions that will bring an end to these barbaric acts”
Farida Waziri Tasks Benue Leaders to Unite, Act and Save Their People
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