By Diana Omueza
Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) will inaugurate Disability Champions Award to honour and celebrate those who contributed and supported the passage and assent of the National Disability Law.
Mr David Anyaele, Executive Director CCD said this on Friday in a statement in Abuja to commemorate the first anniversary of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Prohibition Act, 2019.
Anyaele said that the award would celebrate individuals, public and private institutions who have been on the forefront of promoting disability rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.
According to him, the 18 years struggle that led to the passage and the successful assent of the law was made possible because of the help and support of so many well-meaning citizens, groups and organisations, which should not go unnoticed.
“To commemorate the first anniversary of the national disability law, we will be unveiling the 1st Disability Champion Awards” designed to recognise, and celebrate individuals and institutions that have contributed in promoting disability rights.
“We will celebrate those who supported the entire process from the start; those who had sleepless night, those who emptied their bank accounts, and those who contributed intellectually.
“We want to recognise these persons so that they won’t relent in their good deeds and the law will be fully implemented in all spheres to achieve independent living and integration for PWDs,’’ he said.
According to Anyaele, CCD will premiere a documentary that showcases the 18 years effort by various PWDs organisations to secure the national legislation for the benefit of no fewer than 25 million Nigerians with disabilities.
He said that the organisation with the support of the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption Programme, British Council, would be hosting a one-week event with activities; including an interactive forum with media executives.
Other activities are learning lessons on Disability Rights Advocacy in Nigeria with stakeholders, experience sharing with line ministries, departments and agencies and committees of the National Assembly, among others.
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is a premier organisation for Persons with Disabilities that works to promote disability rights, independent living, inclusion and participation of PWDs in development agenda.
The Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Act was passed by the 8th session of the National Assembly and assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari in Jan. 9, 2019.(NAN)