Minister commissions production equipment, launches operational vehicles
BY BENEDICT NWACHUKWU, ABUJA
The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has commissioned the National Disability Electronic Certificate Production Centre located at the Persons With Disability Complex, Abuja.
The minister also launched two operational vehicles to improve mobility and productivity of the Commission as well as a Mini Braille printing centre, a National Disability Data Processing Centre and an accessible office complex.
She stated that the inauguration of the projects was the beginning of inclusivity which Persons with Disability have always yearned for as she also expressed delight with the rapid development of the Commission in just one year.
“I am indeed delighted to be here to witness the drastic developments that have taken place in the last one year in the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. This effort is in recognition of the promise made by the Commander- in- Chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, to take 100 million extremely poor Nigerians out of poverty which includes Persons with Disabilities.
“More than 31million Persons With Disabilities are beginning to have the visibility and inclusivity that the community has long yearned for.
“As these projects commence operation from today, we hope for better data collection, more dignified access to services and accessibility to government print information, policies and other equipment for the Blind. By these, hope is being rekindled in the disability community about their identity and the protection of the rights of Persons with Disability against any form of discrimination or abuse”.
Umar Farouq also congratulated the staff of the Commission for their doggedness despite the limited resources and staff strength and assured that the ministry is working assiduously with the Head of Civil Service of the Federation to facilitate timely access to the waiver for employment into the Commission.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, James Lalu, praised the efforts of President Buhari and that of the minister in providing a befitting office for persons with disabilities.
“Thank you for wiping the tears of over 31million Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and for using your office to provide a place for persons with disabilities. We promise to make you proud and we will surpass your expectations of these projects you started. We will always be grateful to you”.
The Minister later toured the Electronic Certificate Production Centre, the Mini Braille Printing Centre, the National Disability Data Processing Centre and other facilities in the office complex.
At the inauguration were the former Governor of Nasarawa state and Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Tanko Al- Makura, Chairman of the Governing Council Dr Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa, Senator Osita Izunaso, Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Education and other members of the Governing Council, NCPWD.
