PWD - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Thu, 2024

€4.8m disability project targets Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina states

123 total views today

By Diana Omueza

The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) has announced that Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina states will benefit from a 4.8 million euro disability-focused project funded by the German Government through its Humanitarian Assistance programme.

Dr Rainer Brockhaus, Chief Executive Officer of CBM, made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja during the launch of a five-year initiative titled ‘Resilience Strengthening for an Inclusive Life in Northwest Nigeria’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project aims to enhance the resilience of conflict-affected communities in the three states.

It will run from November 2024 to December 2028.

The project focuses on supporting vulnerable groups, particularly women and girls, both with and without disabilities, who are affected by sexual, gender-based, or disability-related violence.

“The project will bridge immediate assistance with long-term development and contribute to global discussions on addressing interconnected humanitarian and development challenges.

“For many years, humanitarian efforts in Nigeria have focused on the Northeast due to its prominence in global media coverage.

“However, the Northwest also faces significant challenges, including insecurity, displacement, and a lack of access to essential support systems.

“Addressing these growing issues and building resilience in the region is critical,” Brockhaus said.

He added that the five-year project is designed to foster sustainable and lasting change, strengthening the resilience of individuals and local structures to overcome and resolve crises in the region.

Mr Samuel Omoi, CBM’s Country Director, described the initiative as more than just a development project, calling it a shared vision for an empowered Northwest where no one is left behind.

Omoi expressed gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and other stakeholders for enabling the project’s implementation in the region.

Mr Bright Ekweremadu, Regional Hub Director for Africa (West and Central), urged both public and private project partners to utilise the funds effectively and uphold principles of transparency, accessibility, and accountability to the funders.

“These principles are essential tools for securing future grants, as well as ensuring successful project implementation and execution,” he said.

Mrs Nike Abimbola, Head of Development Programmes and Partnerships at the NCPWD commended the initiative, stating that it would address the challenges faced by Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

She added that the project would also alleviate poverty and combat harmful and discriminatory practices against PWDs in the region. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Philip Daniel Yatai
Dec, Wed, 2024

General News

Tinubu advocates disability inclusion in all spheres of life

258 total views today

By Ahmed Musa

President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders to advocate for and amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to achieve disability inclusion and promote their welfare and rights.

Tinubu made this call at a National Dialogue commemorating the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities in Abuja.

The President was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mr Abba Isah.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of advancing the cause of PWDs in Nigeria, citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provided for the protection of PWDs’ rights.

“We signed the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provides a framework for protecting human rights in Africa.

“Although the charter does not explicitly mention Article 18, Sub 4, it emphasises the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of all individuals, including those with disabilities.

“In line with our Renewed Hope Agenda, we appointed a Special Assistant to promote equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

“The office was mandated to collaborate with government agencies, subnational governments, development partners, civil society organisations, and associations of PWDs to ensure that their policies align with our agenda.

“We are working closely with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to promote disability inclusion in the country,” he said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged that the tenth Senate would continue to enact laws promoting the rights and wellbeing of PWDs.

Akpabio, represented by Sen. Ireti Kingibe, (LP-FCT), emphasised the need for collective effort to promote inclusive development of PWDs.

According to Akpabio, stakeholders must amplify the voices of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and get involved to support them.

Akpabio stressed the importance of evaluating and treating individuals based on their abilities, rather than their disabilities.

He believed that democracy was not just about voting rights, but also about equal opportunities for all, including PWDs.

To achieve this, Akpabio called for unity and a shared spirit of inclusivity, hope, and determination to advance the rights and inclusion of PWDs.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Mr Ayuba Gufwan, noted that the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities provided an opportunity to review progress and identify challenges ahead.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured awards presentations by the NCPWD to the World Bank, Sightsavers Nigeria, European Union and other partners that contributed towards the commission’s achievements. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru