From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The All-Right Foundation popularly known as TAF Africa and the Kaduna State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday met over the enforcement of the rights of persons with disability (PWD) in Kaduna State.
Corporate Services and Compliance Manager of TAF Africa, Uche Enyiocha, who led led led team to NSCDC said his organisation was working on enhancing participation of PWD in elections both at the national and state levels.
Enyiocha noted that TAF Africa is already in partnership with Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KADSIECOM) adding that, it is important to extend the partnership to NCSDC as a major security outfit in the state.
“We want you to support the protection of the rights of PWD during elections. We also want you to train your officers who will be engaging directly with PWDs in the field to know how to engage with PWDs”, said.
Responding, Commandant, Kaduna State Command of the NSCDC, Lucy Fakoya pledged commitment to protecting and enforcing the rights of People With Disabilities (PWD) during elections and other civic responsibilities.
To her, the PWD community is a part of the society that needs the support of every other segments other society, especially the security agencies to effectively contribute their own quota to the development of the society, hence the creation of a PWD Desk Officer to give issues of disability deserving attention.
According to the Commandant, “We are very committed to enforcing the rights of People With Disabilities, because it is today we know, nobody knows who can become disabled tomorrow.
“While I was growing up in the barracks here in Kaduna, I witnessed how a gallant, good looking Soldier, who was of the Military Police fell off his bike while playing with his friend who was driving a truck and he had spinal cord injury. That was how he became disabled and died eight years after.
“So, we are concerned about the plights of PWD and we are going to do our best to protect their rights. And based on your request, we are going to build ramp to make the Command’s headquarters accessible to all,” she promised.