The Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and The Albino Foundation (TAF Africa) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen diplomatic advocacy for persons with disabilities.
President of the NIPR, Dr Ike Neliaku disclosed that in line with the core principles of the institute, NIPR has granted a 50% waiver for persons with disabilities who wish to join the institute.
Dr Neliaku added that the institute was poised to pursue inclusivity based on culture and tradition, core national values, virtues, biological and gender.
President of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle during the signing of the MoU in Abuja said there was a need for more advocacy to promote inclusivity in all spheres of life especially in governance.
According to Mr Epelle, Nigeria had over 30 million persons with disabilities but level of appointment of PWDs in the current administration was very poor.
“The level of appointment that reflects inclusion is abysmal and very worrisome”, he said.
The meeting also witnessed a posthumous award given to the founder and first President of the NIPR, Dr Sam Epelle as ‘Diamond Lifetime Awardee’, who was an uncle to the president of Mr Jake Epelle.