Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is commemorating the second anniversary of the passage of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018.
The executive director David Anyaele made the disclosure in a press statement signed by him on Sunday.
The statement read in part; “Jan. 17, 2019 was the day President Mohammadu Buhari signed the National Disability Bill into an Act, which ended the 18 years struggle to secure a national legislation that prohibit all forms of discrimination and other harmful practices against more than 31 million Nigerians with disabilities.
“The commemoration of the Day is an opportunity to review the state of implementation of the National Disability Act, engage with critical stakeholders, and share challenges and success stories. It aims to create awareness regarding the rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities, the capabilities, achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities to the society.
“The day is a day of joy, merriment, and thanksgiving to God for seeing Nigerians with disabilities through in the 18 years struggle for an Act that protects citizens with disabilities in Nigeria. It is another reminder of the support and contributions of individuals, organizations and institutions whose efforts led to the passage of the Act.
CCD said it would celebrate the 2nd anniversary of the passage of the Disabilities Act in Abuja with the theme: Sustaining the Struggle for the Implementation of the National Disability Act.
According to him, “This Act is a product of struggle, its full implementation would depend largely on PWDs commitment to hold the State accountable without that, the Nigeria systems and structures would leave the implementation of the National Disability Act behind.
“CCD would be commemorating this year’s event from Jan. 18 – 22, 2021 in Abuja. As part of the activities to mark the Anniversary, CCD would be interfacing with selected line MDAs on the Implementation of the National Disability Act; Stakeholders’ on Accessible Public Building; Interactive forum with Public Event Managers on Access to Event Centres; and presentation of Awards to individuals and organisations that have contributed to the passage of National Disability Act 2018.
“CCD remains committed to supporting governments at all levels, private organisations, organisations of persons with disabilities and international agencies to ensure the full implementation of the National Disability Act.
“The National Disability Act provides for the full integration of persons with disabilities into the society and establish the National Commission for Persons with disabilities and vests the Commission with the responsibilities for their education, health care, social, economic and civil rights. The Act is divided into eight parts: Prohibition of discrimination and awareness programmes; Accessibility of physical structure; Road Transportation (Access, reserved space); Seaports, Railways And Facilities (Access, Priority etc); Liberty, right to education, health and first consideration in queues, accommodation and in emergencies; Opportunity for employment and participation in politics; Establishment of National Commission for persons with Disabilities; and Appointment and Duties of the Executive Secretary and other Staff.”