The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has taken a proactive step towards promoting the rights and privileges of persons living with disabilities in Nigeria. In a recent directive, the Minister instructed the establishment of a five-man committee tasked with designing a framework for engagement with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the rights and privileges entitled to individuals with disabilities across the country.
During a courtesy visit to his office by the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James Lalu, in Abuja, the Minister underscored the importance of social inclusion and the need to protect the dignity of persons with disabilities. He pledged the full support of his ministry in ensuring that the aims and objectives of the Commission are achieved, emphasizing President Tinubu’s commitment to giving visibility and recognition to persons living with disabilities in his government.
Furthermore, Minister Idris highlighted the significance of incorporating the perspectives, talents, and experiences of the 35 million people living with disabilities in Nigeria. He affirmed the government’s dedication to advocating for the domestication of the Disability Law in various states, thereby ensuring equal opportunities and access for individuals with disabilities across different sectors.
In response, Dr. Lalu expressed his readiness to collaborate with the Ministry of Information in creating awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. He emphasized the importance of implementing provisions within the Disability Law that mandate service providers to offer special access to individuals with disabilities in various public facilities without discrimination.
Dr. Lalu also emphasized the untapped potential of persons with disabilities, highlighting their diverse range of skills and qualifications essential for the country’s economic advancement. By promoting inclusivity and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, both the Ministry of Information and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities are working towards building a more equitable and inclusive society for all Nigerians.
