Minister calls for dignity in reportage of people with disability

By Rahila Lassa, Abuja

The Nigerian Government has urged the Media to disseminate issues that affect Persons with Disabilities to the members of the society with dignity.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, made the call at a media briefing ahead of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Abuja, Nigeria.

She said, the role of the media is key to influencing and encouraging inclusiveness of the Persons with Disabilities in all aspects of the society.

“We will continue to count on your robust collaboration towards achieving our common goal,” She said

The Minister also commended the resilience and determination of the Persons with Disabilities in different fields of endeavor and their contribution to nation building.

According to her, the Federal Government is committed to ensuring that persons living with disabilities have access to education, employment, social protection, health and other essential services.

“I urge us all to be sensitive to the needs of persons with disabilities and the protection of their rights by supporting the provision of an enabling environment that will promote the realization of their potentials, to enable them live fulfilled lives and make meaningful contributions to societal growth and development,” the Minister reiterated.

Farouq noted that the Ministry will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders and partners to achieve its aims and objectives on issues of disabilities in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Director Humanitarian Affairs in the Ministry, Alhaji Goni Grema said the day was intended to prompt member States and other disability stakeholders to focus on issues relating to total inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

The theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities which is celebrated on 3rd of every December is, Building Back better: Toward a disability- Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable post covid-19 world.