The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons With Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has called upon everyone in the society to drop the “sorry slogan” and embrace a positive mindset that will help integrate Persons with Disabilities seamlessly into the society.
The ES made this appeal in Abuja, today, 17th August, 2021 during a Stakeholders’ Advocacy meeting organized by Disability Rights Advocacy Centre (DRAC) on the Integration of Disability Rights into the curricula of justice Actors in Nigeria.
In his opening remarks, James Lalu expressed his pleasure for having representatives of the Nigeria Police, Civil Rights Advocacy group and the Justice system in the meeting as he believes their participation would help actualize the objective of the meeting.
He further stated that the prejudice being experienced by Persons With disabilities are mostly experienced by the female folks amongst them.
“Educating the girl child will bring to bare consciousness and awareness of her rights in the society,” he said.
In addition Lalu opined that every PWD must be given equal opportunity and rights to attain full potentials in life.
The ES’ seized the occasion to elaborate on capacity building for the judiciary in compliance with the 2018 Act prohibiting descriminations against Persons With Disabilities.
The Commission’s helmsman promised to facilitate the training and establishment of Desk Officers in partnership with the Nigeria Police to address issues on discriminations against PWDs.
He further stated that attitude is one of the greatest obstacle faced by Persons with Disabilities.
“Change in attitude must begin from anyone just as the former Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Jonah Jang brought about positive approach when he established a Law to advance the course of PWDs in Plateau State” he disclosed.
The ES, however charged the Participants to strive to be good ambassadors of Justice system at the end of the training session.