Today in Abuja, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD), organized a One Day Sensitization Programme on the Roles of Stakeholders in the Implementation of the National Disability Act 2018.
Director – General NOA, Dr Garba Abari in his opening remark at the event apologized for all difficulties experienced by People with Disabilities (PWDs) accessing the hall and also explained that efforts are being made to solve the problem.
Dr. Garba Abari stated that PWD act was signed in 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari and NOA is playing its role of public enlightenment, value reorientation and social mobilization through various communication platforms such as media engagement, school outreach and capacity building to ensure all citizens understands the provisions of the act.
In his remark, the Executive Director of CCD, Mr David Anyaele stated that over 31 million Nigerians are PWDs, and that 80% live in the rural areas. He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the disability act and promoting the rights of PWDs in Nigeria.
In attendance for this programme were bodies from various Ministries, Agencies and also, a representatives for people living with disabilities.
The Program Manager, African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, Barrister Kola Ogunbiyi (the resource person) explained that the programme is conceptualized to build the capacity and knowledge of participants on the National Disability Law. He went through all sections of the act relating to Transport, Education, Access to buildings, housing, Politics, discrimination etc.
To mention but few, the Disability act states that five years from its passage, both private and public institutions are to comply and modify its structures to accommodate people with disabilities. The act makes provision for 5% of PWDs to be employed in every private and public institutions.
Finally, he urged all the MDAs to set up disability desks across their various ministries, departments and agencies.