By Ado Hassan, Sokoto
The President and CEO of Bruderhilfe Social Development Initiative, a Non Governmental Organisation, Mrs Mary Bamigbe has expressed concerns over the non implementation of the 2018 Act prohibiting the ‘Discrimination Against Persons with Disability’
According to her ” it has not been effective since assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.”
Speaking Thursday at the 2020 World Disability Day in Sokoto where NP fewer than 81 wheel chairs were distributed to male and female beneficiaries, said no fewer than 27 million Nigerians representing 15 % of its population are living with one form of disability or the other.
Represented by Mr Tosin Makinde, the President noted that a number of disabled persons have the potentials and requirements to transform the society in many spheres of socio-economic activities.
He appealed to the authorities to speedily ensure equal treatment is extended to people living with disability across the country.
The theme of this year’s event is ” Building Back Better: Toward a Disability -Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post Covid-19 World”
Similarly, the President explained that Bruderhilfe Initiative was a charity based organisation established with the consistent record of supporting vulnerable members of society by providing mobility chairs to persons with disability across the country.
” We were in Maiduguri- Borno state where we donated 100 to persons and victims of insurgency and sporadic gun shots who became disabled and in Bauchi where 90 mobility can ts were distributed to beneficiaries.
While appealing to spirited individuals, organisations, government and patriots to strengthen efforts at supporting the drive towards the empowerment of disable persons , the President also acknowledged the unequalled support of Alhaji Muastapha Sarkin Kabin Yabo, Sokoto state government and other donors as Medshare, Centre for poverty Reduction and the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar to the course for humanity.
Earlier in his remarks, Special Adviser to Governor Aminu Tambuwal on Disables Matters, Abdulazeez Ibrahim described the issue of disability as one fundamental aspect that should be taken with concerns as their population was significant and instrumental to nation building if adequately given the needed attention and support.
Ibrahim , who himself is a disabled, noted that despite their talent and readiness to promote better Nigeria , ” they are victims who became vulnerable especially as a result of violence and other disasters.”
He stressed the need for government and organisations to give persons with disabilities a sense of belonging by including them in the such of affairs to fast track socio-economic independence among them through beneficial programmes.
Also, Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar represented by the Sarkin Yakin Gagi , Alhaji Sani Umar Jabbi said no segment of the Nigerian population deserve attention and quick response as those with disabilities.
According to the revered leader” they need to be carried along and given the necessary support to that the nation can tap the best out of them in driving the quest for development.
” They are Nigerians with equal rights and should be given equal opportunities to add value to our development process”, he stressed.
The Sarkin Kabin Yabo, Alhaji Mustapha said extending support to persons with disabilities remain an important aspect of ensuring human survival in terms of needs and aspirations.
He disclosed that efforts were being made to drive the process of acquiring worth $12,000 medical equipment for use in hospitals in Sokoto state.
” I feel is duty on me to assist humanity by influencing the presence and support of NGOs to the state. He state has done so much for me through my and educational career.
” Our hospitals are over stretched with limited equipments. I am also looking forward to influencing the establishment of additional Special school by an NGO”, he disclosed.
Other highlights included debate and short drama performance to climax the 2020 event.
