The Nigerian Government has pledged support for the welfare of Persons With Disabilities in the country.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq made the pledge in Abuja, Nigeria, at an event to commemorate the International Day of Persons With Disabilities (IDPWD).
According to her, the 2020 celebration is focusing on ensuring that Persons With Disabilities are equipped and empowered for inclusive, accessible and sustainable development as is envisaged in the Covid-19 world.
“It is also a strategy aimed at reducing the risk to the persons with disability (PWDS) in awakening them against future disasters as Covid-19. Moulding back the nation, all the PWDs should and would be carried along in order to include them without any segregation”. She said.
The Minister noted that in recent years, disability issues have been placed at the front burner of national developments as evident in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“In committing to the realization of the 2030 agenda for sustainable development, the Federal Government remains committed to doing her best to cater for the needs of all her citizens; PWDS inclusive for National Development, where no one is left behind”. She added.
Activities observed in commemoration of the day in Nigeria are:
- Muslim Prayers at the Mosque which has been observed at the Federal Capital Development Authority Central Mosque on the 27th November 2020.
- Christian Prayers at the Church was observed at the St. Anglican Church Gwarimpa Abuja, on 29h November 2020.
- Ministerial Press Briefing on Tuesday, 1st December 2020
- Symbolic presentation of Assistive devices to PWDS
- Launch of Therapeutic sports club for PWDS.
- Launch of a coalition of SCDS for women and girls with disabilities.
- Launch of sign language interpretation and
- Exhibition of products made by persons of concern.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons With Disabilities (IDPWD) is “Building Back Better: “Toward a disability- Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable post-covid-19 world”.
Zainab Sa’id
