Over 600,000 persons with disabilities in Adamawa State have called on the wife of the Adamawa State Governor, Lami Ahmadu Fintiri to facilitate the passage and domestication of the bill establishing the Disability Rights Commission currently before the State House of Assembly.
The Northeast Zonal Coordinator of the Nigerian Association of the Blind, Mr. Jibrin Amzaranda said the bill’s passage would help reduce systemic discrimination against them and ensure access to essential support services.
These services include healthcare, rehabilitation, education, and vocational training.
Amzaranda noted that the appeal is timely, given the numerous interventions already provided by the First Lady through her pet project, the Fresh Air Pro-Life Empowerment Foundation which has supported People With Disabilities, PWDs, across the state.
“Her Excellency has empowered our members by distributing 20 motorcycles, 20 sewing machines, 20 grinding machines, and 20 refrigerators to each of the disability clusters in all 21 Local Government Areas,” he stated.
He further acknowledged the recent distribution of relief materials to 2,000 beneficiaries at the Special Education Centre in Jada LGA, describing the initiative as a boost to the morale of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.
While praising the Adamawa State First Lady’s financial assistance to help their members grow their small businesses he appealed for her continued support in helping qualified PWDs secure employment in government institutions.
Amazaranda urged members of the disability community to remain law-abiding and to support government policies.
People With Disabilities include clusters such as the physically challenged, persons with albinism, individuals with spinal cord injuries, lepers, the blind, the deaf, and those with intellectual disabilities.
The group therefore called on the Adamawa State Government to allocate a minimum of five per cent employment quota to persons with disabilities to reduce their hardship and promote inclusivity.