News
5% employment for PWDs now mandatory across 36 States says FG
***Insists its criminal to deny them opportunity to work
The Federal Government on Thursday has announced that it is now mandatory for the provision of 5% employment opportunity for persons with disabilities spread across the 36 States of the federation through the operationalization of Federal Character.
“This makes it criminal for any Ministry, Extra Ministerial -Department and Agencies of government to deny persons with disabilities the opportunity to work provided they have the requisite skills.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made the disclosure on the occasion of the International Day/National summit of Persons With Disabilities which took place on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by the Minister of special Duties, Senator George Akume, the Vice President noted With regret the post COVID- 19 era which is impacting so negatively on the Nigerian society with more adverse effects on the community of persons with disabilities.
He said, “With a population of over 31 million persons, the community keeps growing larger by the day and as such, we must plan in that geometry.
“This factor necessitated a quick intervention of Conditional Cash Transfer to persons with disabilities so as to alleviate economic challenges.”
“Again, our sports women and men at the recent Paralympics held in Korea did exceptionally well with several gold medals and other Awards in many categories, a feat that puts the Nation’s flag at an enviable state.”
This he said has no doubt proven the strength that abounds in the disability community.
“Today’s International disability Summit provides the platform to bringing together Advocates, Comrades, support groups, Scientists, and Experts in technology to brainstorm on the struggles, challenges and achievements recorded in the community of persons with disabilities.
He said the journey started long ago in the history of the country through several dispensations since the return to democracy in Nigeria.
“But at this point, may I draw your attention to the fact that dreams are aborted when vision is absent.”
According to him, “President Muhammadu Buhari demonstrated his undaunting passion and love for Persons with Disabilities when he vowed to change the narrative by creating the office to cater for this unique class of Persons.
“The creation of the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian, Disaster Management and Social Development precisely on the 21st August, 2019 marked the beginning of a new dawn for community of Persons with disabilities.
“This entity was a product of the vision by the President to give voice to the voiceless, and provide succor to the hopeless in our society. This did not end there.
“The Minister was further directed to specifically inaugurate a Commission that will be solely responsible for the overall welfare of Persons with disabilities.
The vice president explained that the National Commission for Persons with disabilities is mandated to handle all issues relating to the welfare and inclusion of Persons with disabilities. “The Federal government has also directed the Executive Secretary of the Commission Mr. James David Lalu to come up with strategies that will alleviate the sufferings of PWDs, especially to disengage those who are into street begging.
“In fulfilment of the Present administration’s commitment to lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in a very near future and to provide mass and affordable housing for Nigerians, Persons with disabilities have been given the platform to signify their interest in the available housing units which will be customized in an accessible structure for easy accessibility.”
In addition he said, the Federal government is working assiduously to modify the National Health Insurance Scheme in order to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities. “This will enable the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB), the National Orthopedics Hospital, and other health agencies that provide services key into the scheme.
“At this juncture, we cannot afford not to yield to the call for Assistive Technology where there are professionals in the field of physiotherapy, Osteopathy, Speech therapists, Chiropractic, Audiology, Prosthetics and so on.
“All over the world, technology is being employed to aid communication by persons with various forms of disabilities. The government has gone ahead to revise the National policy on disability to develop the roadmap on local production of Assistive devices.”
Osinbajo indicated that the Executive arm of government in agreement with the Judiciary extended an avenue to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities is guaranteed by requesting for inputs from the community of PWDs in the process of Constitutional review.
May I also assure you that “We will definitely leave no one behind”.
“Furtherance to this is the recent formulation of National sign language module currently being harnessed to unify interpretation for a seamless communication in the Deaf community”
The minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Hajia Sadia Umar Farouk said her joy is growing by the day to see the Commission being nurtured through the stages of growth to fulfilling its mandate.
“This is in recognition of the promise made by the Commander- in- Chief of the Armed of forces to take 100 million Nigerians whose population belong to the clusters PWDs during his swearing- in ceremony.
“As the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari is being crystalized, over Thirty- One million persons with disabilities are beginning to have the visibility and the inclusivity that the community has long awaited.
“Today, hope is rekindled in the disability community about their identity and the protection of the rights of PWDs against any form of discrimination or abuse.”
News
Ogun Council Polls: Ex-Rep Amusan hails APC’s Landslide Victory
***Lauds Governor Abiodun’s Leadership
***Tasks New Local Government helmsmen on Grassroots Development
Former House of Representatives member, Hon. Jelili Kayode Amusan, has commended the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its sweeping victory in the recently concluded local government elections in Ogun State.
He described the outcome as a clear affirmation of the party’s growing acceptance and connection with the people.
In a statement released by his media office, Hon. Amusan attributed the victory to the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose administration has prioritized the development of critical sectors, including security, healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
“This victory did not come as a surprise. It is a reflection of Governor Abiodun’s commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Ogun State. His numerous initiatives, including improved road networks, strengthened security, and better healthcare services, have earned the APC the confidence of the people across all local government areas,” Amusan noted.
The former lawmaker, who previously vied for the governorship, said the APC’s success in all local government areas highlights the effectiveness of the Governor’s grassroots-oriented policies and his ability to inspire trust and unity within the party.
While congratulating the newly elected local government chairmen, Hon. Amusan urged them to emulate Governor Abiodun’s leadership style by focusing on service delivery and fulfilling their campaign promises.
“Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. Their effectiveness in governance plays a crucial role in the overall success of any political system. The new chairmen must prioritize grassroots development and ensure they deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities,” he advised.
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Ogun State for their overwhelming support for the APC, encouraging them to continue backing the party as it works to fulfill its promises.
“Our people have shown unwavering support for the APC, and I am confident that with their continued trust, the party will further enhance governance and bring more prosperity to Ogun State,” Amusan concluded.
END
News
Hon. Lawalson Congratulates Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Adelami on Election Victory
The Chairman of Owo South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Shehu Lawalson, has sent a message of congratulations to the Governor-elect of Ondo State, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, and his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, on their resounding victory in the November 16 gubernatorial election.
In a statement issued on behalf of the people of Owo South LCDA, Hon. Lawalson described the election outcome as a clear reflection of the people’s trust in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the exemplary leadership of Aiyedatiwa.
“This victory is a testament to the faith and confidence the people of Ondo State have in your vision and ability to lead. Your exemplary leadership has united our state, and your inclusive governance has inspired hope and progress for all,” Lawalson remarked.
The Chairman praised the Governor-elect’s track record of developmental achievements and unwavering commitment to the state’s stability and unity.
He also commended the efforts of party members, royal fathers, and political stakeholders whose dedication contributed significantly to the APC’s triumph.
Hon. Lawalson expressed optimism about the future under Aiyedatiwa’s leadership, stating, “We eagerly anticipate your inauguration and the continuation of your remarkable work in steering Ondo State towards greater heights. The mandate you have received from the people is a call to build on your legacy of progress and development.”
The message reads,
“Your Excellency and my Very Dear respectable Leader, permit me to seize this opportunity to commend your exemplary leadership quality that galvanized the massive support from the citizens of Ondo State. The results of the election reflected the wish of the people. This has further proven that you are the best man for the job”.
“Your Excellency, over the years you have contributed immensely to the development and stability of our dear State. You have truly inspired us and indeed you have skillfully guided the State to the direction of unity, peace and commitment of party ideals, providing an inclusive and responsive leadership in the State”.
Lawalson who is a former Whip of Ondo State House of Assembly, further said that, he looks forward in earnest to the inauguration of our Governor and his Deputy as the people of Ondo State have collectively given you a fresh mandate to steer the ship of the Sunshine State for another four years.
Hon. Lawalson thanked all the royal fathers, Party leaders, members of the transition committee of Owo South LCDA Ijebu Owo and all political stakeholders for their continued support, loyalty and tireless efforts that culminated in our party’s triumphant and victorious election.
He concluded with prayers for the Governor-elect and his deputy, asking for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance as they lead the Sunshine State into a new era of prosperity.
News
Ododo Congratulates Aiyedatiwa on Victory in Ondo Governorship Election
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on his victory in Saturday’s Ondo State Governorship election.
Governor Ododo, who played a key role as the Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Election Management and Strategy in the Ondo State APC Campaign Council, described Aiyedatiwa’s victory as the product of hard work, strategic planning, and dedication from APC leadership and members.
His Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, in a statement indicated that his principal who coordinated election operations in Ondo North from Owo, expressed confidence in Aiyedatiwa’s capacity to build on the APC’s established legacy of development in Ondo State.
“We have known Governor Aiyedatiwa. He has been tested and can be trusted to continue the good work of the APC administration in Ondo State,” Ododo stated.
He highlighted that Aiyedatiwa’s new mandate reflects the APC’s popularity and the people’s confidence in its governance.
The Kogi governor praised the peaceful conduct of Ondo residents, especially non-indigenous communities, throughout the electoral process, assuring them that their support would be recognized and rewarded. Ododo called on all Ondo citizens to support Governor Aiyedatiwa as he embarks on his full term beginning February 2025.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner of the November 16, 2024, Ondo State Governorship election, having received 366,781 votes, defeating his closest opponent, Honorable Agboola Ajayi of the People’s Democratic Party, who polled 117,845 votes.
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