National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), on Tuesday, restated its commitment to provide scholarship and quality education to persons with disabilities in various institutions in the country.
The ES gave the assurance in Abuja, today 19th December, 2023 at a One Day stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Voice of Disability Initiative (VDI) to commemorate the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities
According to James Lalu, NCPWD is committed to providing scholarships and quality education to people with disabilities and ensuring they get student loans promised by President Bola Tinubu
In his speech Lalu stated that the improved living conditions will be achieved through advocacy, collaborations with stakeholders and enforcements of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
He further assured that by 2024 Persons with Disabilities will witness inclusive policies and programs, as the Commission is working assiduously to ensure more scholarships and interventions are enjoyed by PWDs across the Nation.
He also said that the Commission is readily making efforts to collaborate with necessary stakeholders for stronger advocacy and enforcement in order to ensure full compliance with the disability law.
The Executive Secretary further stressed that the Commission is desirous of collaborating with VDI towards enforcing the provisions of the discrimination law in the various States of its operations and in FCT.
On the enforcement plan to ensure the implementation of the disability law Dr. Lalu added that the 5 year transitory period granted by the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 is expected to end on the 16th of January, 2024.
“We are moving from the era of advocacy and awareness creation to an era of enforcement and implementation. The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is very much ready to commence the proper enforcement of this especially in the areas of accessibility for persons with disabilities” he reiterated.
Lalu further revealed that the Commission has strategized to engage State governors through advocacy on the benefits and needs of domesticating the disability law in every State of the federation.
“In 2024, NCPWD will commence the building of Zonal Offices in the 6 geo-political regions of the country. We will employ sign language interpreters whose services will be available to all Nigerians at all times.” he disclosed
Earlier in his keynote address, the Voice of Disability Board Chairman, Barr. (Dr.) Daniel Uwaezuoke said that 19th December, 2023 is significant in the history of VDI as it marked four milestones on its journey so far.
