In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a ten percent inclusion for Persons Living With Disabilities ,PLWDs, in all Federal Government interventions and schemes under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
This announcement was made by Dr. Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, during the launch of the Empowerment Programme for Persons with Disabilities at the Art and Culture Conference Hall in Abuja.
Dr. Edu emphasized that PLWDs will now benefit from various programs, including the End Hunger program, Conditional Cash Transfer, N-power, Renewed Hope Shelters Program, Geep Programmes, and the CODE NIGERIA program, among others. The inclusion will be selected and implemented through the National Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
Commending President Bola Tinubu for signing the African Charter on the Protection of the rights of PLWDs and for appointing Persons with Disabilities into key positions in the government, Dr. Edu highlighted the President’s perspective, noting that he “does not see them as Persons With Disabilities but sees them as Persons with Special Abilities.”
This move represents a positive step towards recognizing and supporting the diverse needs and capabilities of all citizens, fostering a more inclusive society.
She also commended the National Assembly for ensuring that PLWDs have a say in the affairs of the country through their legislations.
“Over the years, the voice of Persons With Disabilities could not be heard, they were silenced in all sectors, their brand was neglected, but the government of President Tinubu has brought hope alive to them. The Renewed Hope Agenda is aimed at pulling 50 million Nigerians, including PLWDs, out of poverty within 42 months,” she said.
On the occasion, the Minister symbolically presented Point of Sales machines and N100,000 operational capital to PLWDs.
She also announced the sum of N130,000 as scholarship support to PLWDs in tertiary institutions across Nigeria and made a presentation of N20 million annual grant to the Association of Persons living with Disabilities in Nigeria
Dr. Edu equally flagged off the Federal Government’s training of PLWDs on business development, and business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission while creating a link with Bank Of Industry, BOI, which will enable them access up to 1 billion Naira low-interest loans from BOI to enhance their businesses and equally contribute to job creation wherever they reside in the country.
The Minister however, warned against the misuse of the opportunities, saying the government will be strict in monitoring and evaluating all the empowerment, admonishing the beneficiaries to make good use of the empowerment to support their families and communities.
She described the empowerment program as a beacon of hope that would illuminate the path toward an inclusive and equitable society.
“This program is not just about assisting in empowering individuals to take charge of their lives, pursue their dreams, and meaningfully contribute to our nation’s progress, but it is in line with Mr. President’s vision of leaving no one behind in this great work of development.
“Make good use of this gesture of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, embrace it and be determined to make a difference in the society.
“We also want to teach you how to fish, we are no longer giving fish, we want to empower you to be useful to yourselves, the society and remain good ambassadors of this nation”, the minster added.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary,National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Dr James Lalu, commended President Tinubu for the appointment of Dr Edu,which he described as “the most impactful thing that has happened to the disabled community in Nigeria”.
He expressed delight that with Dr Edu as Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the hope of PLWDs will be renewed due to her passion and empathy for them.
Dr.Lalu said the empowerment programme was part of the marching order given by the Minister to the Disability Commission to change the narratives, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu
“All what you are seeing today was made possible because we have a Minister who is pushy and is on the Commission’s neck to do things differently and better. Thank you, my Honourable Minister, we are beginning to see the result of your push”, Lalu said, adding that the ES of the Commission promised full implementation of the Disability Act while working assiduously to protect and support PLWDs in the country.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disabilities, Alhaji Abah Isah, stressed that the Renewed Hope For the PLWDs was guaranteed with Dr Edu as Minister given her zeal and dexterity to implement President Tinubu’s Agenda.
He assured the PLWD community that the beginning is bright and the future is assured for all irrespective of their conditions. He advises the banks and all other organisations to remove any bottle neck that will exclude people living with Disability from accessing support and empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the National Assembly, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Persons Living With Disabilities, Hon Bashiru Dauda said inclusion and protection of the rights of those with disabilities is guaranteed under the leadership of the 10th National Assembly with its legislations and the inclusion of sign language in its proceedings.
Dauda emphasised that discrimination against Persons with disabilities is highly prohibited in Nigeria and called on citizens to see them as part of society. He assured PLWDs that the National Assembly would protect them under the established law in Nigeria.
The Representatives of the BOI and Corporate Affairs Commission were on hand to register and open new businesses for PLWDS while admonishing the beneficiaries on how to improve on their businesses.
Crediblenews.ng
