James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, NCPWD, has unveiled legislative initiatives aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
These initiatives were announced during an event on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Lalu, delivering a welcoming address as part of the activities marking the 2023 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which highlights the NCPWD’s commitment to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities in Nigeria..
Lalu highlighted Senator Osita Izunaso’s efforts to provide sustainable and reliable funding for the disability commission. Lalu applauded Izunaso’s initiative, stating that the bill had passed its first reading, and thanked him for being an ambassador for individuals with disabilities in the National Assembly.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chairman of the House of Disability, who is advocating for further budgetary allocation for the Commission.
He also emphasized efforts being made byNigeria’s Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu; she was doing everything possible to secure an expanded budget allocation for the ministry.
Lalu also called for the passage of a law on disability in Osun state, stating that it would provide the disability community in the state with its commission. He urged stakeholders to strategize for a better way to support individuals with disabilities in the state.
The event also recognized the contributions of partners who have supported individuals with disabilities, especially financially. Lalu expressed gratitude to them and called for continued support for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria.
He said “When we heard about his intention to vie for the office of senator, we appreciated that it’s another opportunity for the senator to make an impact, and we prayed for his success. Now that he has become a senator, we know that the community of persons with disabilities will benefit more, and this annual program will have to continue every year.
“I can still remember when we were pursuing this bill. You can recall the one time our bill was missing in the national assembly; it was Senator Osita who stood with us and carried us into the national assembly. He met the Senate president and the speaker, and he found the bill. Today, we are here celebrating in this very beautiful nation, honoring distinguished Senator Isinazo.
“When he became a senator, he called me and said he would also want to amend this law for a disability commission to get sustainable and reliable funding. He has started it already, and it has passed the first reading. We must thank you for these efforts, Senator.
“My appreciation also goes out to our chairman on the house of disability. He’s very busy now, mobilizing further budgetary allocation for the commission. God will bless him. He’s advocating to all the members in the national assembly to ensure that the constituency project must be carried along to the disability community.
“I have started receiving letters already from some of the members stating they want to put things in the disability commission to provide assistive devices and support for disability in their constituency. Thank you for being our ambassador in the national assembly.
“As the minister came on board, she tried everything possible as a priority. The minister is doing everything possible to see that the budget allocation for the ministry is expanded. This is another better opportunity that has come for us. We thank you for the sacrifice to join us here.
“We thank our partners that are here; we also thank you for the opportunity that you used to support us, especially your financial support, so that the cause of persons with disabilities is supported.
“We are looking forward to the Osun state passage of the law on disability so that our community will have its own commission. We want to hear directly so that we can strategize for a better way in Osun state.”
On his part, The Chairman of the House Committee on Disability, Honourable Bashiru Dawodu said “The agenda for the 10th Assembly includes extensive awareness campaigns about the Disability Act, with a focus on reaching PWDs in rural areas.
“Additionally, there is a commitment to implement anand collaborate with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the government in addressing disability-related challenges.
“The emphasis in the 10th Assembly is on three key areas: awareness, regulation scrutiny, and collaboration. Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by persons with disabilities, the message is one of hope, assuring that they are not alone, as both the House and CSOs are dedicated to supporting and motivating them.”
