From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has said it will ensure the Persons With Disability (PWD) Act is fully implemented across the country.
The chairman, House Committee on PWD, Bashiru Dawodu, stated this in Abuja, while speaking at the unveiling of a five-year action plan by a Non Governmental Organization ( NGO) , the Global Disabilities Green Initiative (GDGI).
Dawodu, who was represented by a member of the committee,Fayinka Oluwatoyin, said the Act is designed to cater for the over 30 million persons living with disabilities in the country.
According to him, these PWDs are confronted with different challenges, including, including discrimination, access employment, among others, on daily basis.
The lawmaker noted that “it is because of the belief that these challenges cannot be ameliorated without legislation that the National assembly passed Discrimination against persons with Disability Act in 2018.
“This law protects the rights of PWD in Nigeria and I also have to underscore the significant role played by the Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in making the law a reality.
“It is noteworthy that the law has a moratorium which expired January 2024, our committee also has the mandate to monitor compliance and implementation of the law. We have started the process of doing this and in this connection you will hear more on this in the near future.”
The founder, GDGI, Mrs Angelina Ugben, while speaking at the event, said the NGO has plans to train 10,000 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) as green leaders to be key agents of change in the green economy by 2030.
Ugben said “in just eight months, GDGI has planted 50 symbolic trees in Karon Majigi, FCT, in partnership with Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD)
“We have trained 25 PWDs in solar photovoltaic installation, in collaboration with ASTEVEN Energy Institute. We have distributed 100 solar lamps to students in underserved communities through a partnership with the Smiling Simon Greenbuild Foundation and Light Up Africa.
“We have also advocated for disability-inclusive climate action at national and international levels, including the United Nations and ECOWAS.”