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UN seeks rights-based implementation of disability inclusion in Nigeria
UN seeks rights-based implementation of disability inclusion in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Muhammed Fall has emphasized the need for the effective implementation of the Disability Act to achieve desired set goals.
He also stressed the need for rights-based implementation of the Disability Act to be guided by the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the UN Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS).
Fall stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the strategic stakeholders meeting convened under the theme: “From paper to practice: Accelerating disability inclusion in Nigeria – Aligning the Disability Act Implementation with CRPD and UNDIS.”
Fall said: “We gather today for a simple but profound purpose: to move from words to action, from paper to practice, from promise to reality. Today, we speak not of laws alone. We speak of people.
“We speak of dignity. We speak of the 35 million Nigerians with disabilities whose dreams are as vast as this nation. A society is measured not by how it treats the strongest, but by how it lifts the most vulnerable.
“When persons with disabilities can learn, work and thrive without barriers, all of Nigeria rises. In Nigeria, we have already taken bold steps. The 2018 Disability Act set the stage. But laws alone do not change lives. Action does.”
He noted that the UN Nigeria conducted nationwide disability inclusion study and that its findings shaped real change around the UN House, ramps, accessible doors, clear signage, saying the lessons guided its programme across the country.
He said: “We have established a UN Disability Inclusion Working Group, mandated by the UN Country Team, to lead our inclusion efforts. We are embedding inclusion in every programme, every budget and every project.
Through agencies such as ILO, UNICEF and UNDP, we are promoting inclusive employment, education, and access to services. We are also supporting reforms across Nigeria.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, Mr Mohammed Isa on his part, revealed the Federal Government received various organisations concern that some states where disability commissions were established delayed implementation.
According to him, there should be multi-faceted approach to ensure inclusivity, particularly the community of persons with disability taking the lead to expedite such policy implementation.
“Government officials have a role to play and we need to keep personal interests aside for us to achieve targets,” Isa said.
The Chairman, House Committee on Disability Matters, Dr Bashir Dawodu, explained the status of the implementation of Disability Act in Nigeria remain focus of discussion since the discrimination against persons with disabilities prohibition act of 2018 was passed into law.
Dawodu said: @At the federal level, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities was established to coordinate and implement activities aimed at promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
“The national commission for persons with disabilities under my watch is working assiduously to ensure the required impact and outcome is realised.”
The meeting featured keynote speeches by Mr Abdullahi Usman, National President, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Mr Ayuba Gufwan, Executive-Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
Highpoint of the meeting was presentation on status of disability act implementation, interaction centered on barriers and opportunities, as well as adoption of action, point and next steps.
The meeting was aimed at promoting dialogue among government officials, disability advocates, private sector representatives and development partners, to bolster measures for overcoming barriers to disability inclusion in the country.
UN seeks rights-based implementation of disability inclusion in Nigeria
News
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 3 Battalion (Mechanised)/24 Task Force Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the attack occurred at about 2:44 a.m. on June 12 when terrorists launched coordinated assaults on the troops’ location from Wurge, Manawaji and Kinuba.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the attackers with superior firepower, supported by reinforcements from battalion headquarters, as well as mortar and artillery fire support, forcing the insurgents to withdraw.
Following the encounter, the fleeing terrorists retreating and scampered into the bushes.
At about 5:45 a.m., troops and auxiliary forces conducted a follow-up exploitation along the withdrawal route towards Wurge, during which three RPG-7 high-explosive unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and two torchlights were recovered.
The sources further disclosed that a main battle tank developed technical faults during the aftermath of the engagement, while one soldier sustained injuries from fragments of an RPG blast.
The wounded personnel was evacuated to the 3 Battalion Regimental Aid Post (RAP) for medical treatment.
Military authorities said clearance and follow-up operations were ongoing in the area to consolidate gains and prevent further terrorist regrouping.
They reaffirmed commitment to sustaining aggressive counter-terrorism operations across the North-East theatre.
Troops Foil ISWAP/JAS Attack on Military Position in Borno, Recover UXOs
News
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
By: Zagazola Makama
The Katsina State Government has announced the death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar while in the captivity of bandits.
The government, in a statement issued on Friday by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu, described the development as tragic and a major loss to the state and the nation.
According to the statement, the retired senior military officer died from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension while in captivity.
The government said that despite sustained efforts by the state government and security agencies to secure his release, the situation ended in tragedy.
“The deceased retired general died a natural death from complications of diabetes and hypertension,” the statement said.
It noted that the late officer’s abduction and subsequent death represented not only a loss to his immediate family and Katsina State but also a monumental loss to the country.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda expressed deep condolences to the family of the deceased, describing the incident as a dark moment and a reminder of the need for intensified efforts against criminal elements threatening peace and security.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Government and security agencies to ensure that those responsible for the abduction are brought to justice.
He also assured residents that the government remained resolute in its determination to eliminate banditry and safeguard lives and property across the state.
The government prayed for the repose of the soul of the late retired Major General and urged citizens to continue supporting security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
Katsina Govt Confirms Death of Retired Major General Rabe in Bandits’ Captivity
News
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Government has distributed relief materials to 434 indigenes of Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area who were recently rescued by security agencies after spending three months in Boko Haram captivity.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum visited the victims in Pulka on Monday and directed the immediate distribution of food and non-food items to support their recovery and reintegration.

In compliance with the Governor’s directive, the Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Alhaji Ali Abdullahi Isa, promptly supervised the distribution exercise.
Each rescued person received a bag of rice, a bag of maize grits, a mattress, a wrapper, and a shadda, while children received two pairs of clothing.

In addition, 208 heads of households received N50,000 each, fulfilling Governor Zulum’s earlier pledge of financial assistance.
Speaking during the distribution, the SEMA Director General said the intervention was part of the government’s immediate response to ease the hardship faced by the rescued victims.

“I am here at the instance of His Excellency, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, who was here some few days ago, and to deliver the items he directed that it should be given to you as emergency relief,” Ali stated.
The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical care and psychosocial support at a government facility. Upon completion of the rehabilitation process, they will be reintegrated into their respective communities.
The exercise was carried out alongside the Chairman of Gwoza local government, representatives of the Ngoshe community, and other officials.
Zulum Delivers Relief, Cash Support to 434 Ngoshe Residents Rescued from Boko Haram
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