While the entire Nigerian Disability Community (including relevant stakeholders) is agog with events and celebrations to mark the second year of passage of the Nigeria Disability Act, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mallam Abubakar Malami (SAN) has landed the Disability Champion Award of Excellence.
The Award was given to him by Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) at the NGO’s just concluded second anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Disability Act.
The award is reserved for those who assisted in relevant ways towards assent to, and passing of the bill for Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
Receiving the award on behalf of Malami was Board Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, (NCPWD) Hon. Hussain Suleiman Kangiwa. He thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his quick assent to the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 and the establishment of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities as stipulated in the Act.
He clarified that the Act does not prohibit the Commission from seeking interventions and support from relevant stakeholders including Government and Non-Governmental agencies in achieving its objectives of enhancing the welfare of PWDs in Nigeria.
He called on individuals, CSOs, etc to partner with the Commission in areas such as stakeholders engagement, mobilization and awareness campaigns supporting the welfare, education, employment, social, economic and civil rights of PWDs. This also involves establishment of skills acquisition centres, supporting the health care needs of PWDs and other projects essential to the promotion of inclusiveness.
Malami appreciated CCD for the award meanwhile regarding it as a clarion call to do more in the service of PWDs in Nigeria.
Others who received awards at the event were former Permanent Secretary, (Ministry of Women Affairs) Mrs. Ifeoma N. Anabogu, Director, (Rehabilitation Department) Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Head of Social Development and Disaster Management, Mrs Nkechi Onwukwe, a clerk in National Assembly, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed Argungu and Omo Bazuaye.