The Executive Director of Center for Citizens with Disabilities, David Anyaele has charged the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritize disability right issues in its day to day activities. Mr. Anyaele, who made the call during the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Dialogue Session with His Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo at Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, today, Thursday, October 5, 2017, listed some of the key areas that require federal government’s intervention to include- the urgent need for the disability bill to be signed into law, the need for the federal government to consistently design its developmental policies and programs with adequate consideration for Persons with Disabilities and the need to ensure that public infrastructures are accessible for Persons with Disabilities.
In his response, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo stated that the federal government will follow up on the state of the disability bill at the National Assembly and through its Social Investment Program (SIP) will address the various issues of Persons with Disabilities. He also charged Nigerians not to give up on the present administration claiming that the achievements of the present administration will soon become very visible. He also called on CSOs to join the Anti-Corruption campaign of the present administration as most of the challenges bedeviling the country will seize to exist once the country is rid of corruption.
Earlier, Clement Nwankwo who is the Executive Director of PLAC and Convener Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, reiterated the willingness of CSOs in the country to continue to play a supportive role targeted at ensuring national growth and development. “We are pleased to support government’s national development plans and collaborate with governments at all levels in the task of nation building”.
Part of the issues highlighted include- Government efforts towards ensuring that the remaining 113 Chibok School girls are rescued from insurgents of book haram, Child Bride, Issues on marginalization threatening National Unity, Issues on Economic Growth, Issues on Anti-Corruption agencies being reactive rather than proactive, need for timely presentation of budget for each fiscal year, issues on menace of cattle herdsmen in the country, among others.
The event which witnessed the gathering of Crème de la Crème drawn from various Civil Society Organizations in the country provided another platform for stakeholders to bring to limelight, various issues Nigerians are faced with.
