The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya Umar Farouq, has announced the take off the National Disability Commission.
This followed the approval of the appointment of the Executive Members of the Commission by Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Monday 24th of August 2020.
In a statement signed by Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the minister, Halima Oyelade in Abuja on the 24th of August 2020, the Minister said since her appointment in 2019 she had maintained her commitment to following up to ensure the take-off of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
‘’Today is a very happy and fulfilling day for me as one of the vulnerable groups that are close to my heart finally have a Commission and Executives in place.
“Those that will cater t for their needs, protect their rights and provide an enabling environment for them to maximize their potentials, thrive and contribute valuably to the society and the Nation as a whole.”
Sadiya Umar Farouq thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for accenting to the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability (Prohibition) Act, 2019 last year which provides for the establishment of the Commission.
“By approving the appointment of the Executive Secretary, Chairman and members of the Council of the Commission the president has once again, proven his commitment and desire to improving the quality of life of vulnerable groups in Nigeria and ensure they enjoy their full rights and privileges as citizens of Nigeria’’.
She congratulated the over 30 million Persons Living with Disabilities in Nigeria on the giant milestone.
She charged them to maximize the platform that has been provided for them. ‘’I congratulate our brothers and sisters living with disabilities in Nigeria for the realization of this worthy dream and encourage you to make use of the opportunity this Commission provides you to be united in the pursuit of your dreams of social inclusion’’ the Minister stated.
The Minister however congratulated the newly appointed executives of the commission,charged the Chairman and members of Council as well as the Executive Secretary to carry out their responsibilities with due diligence and to the best of their ability.
She said, “I congratulate you heartily and urge you to consider it a privilege to serve as the first executives of this Commission and therefore put in your best to lay a solid foundation for the Commission bearing in mind that the well being of over 30 million persons living with disabilities in Nigeria largely depends on your actions and the way you discharge your duty’’.
Once the Senate confirms the appointments, the Commission will take-off accordingly.
‘’The functions of the Commission include; the formulation and implementation of policies and guidelines as appropriate for the education and social development of persons with disabilities.
“Also to prepare the schemes designed to promote social welfare of persons with disabilities, promoting and uplifting their general well being by encouraging the public to change their negative attitude towards them.’’ The Minister concluded.
