The Northern Nigeria Disability Forum (NNDF), a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has urged the federal and state governments to implement the five percent affirmative action for people with disabilities (PWDs).
Yarima Suleiman-Ibrahim, chairman of the forum, said PWDs deserve to be given a sense of belonging because of their positive contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
“In Nigeria, we have 33 million registered members of PWDs. PWDs have talents. They must be provided with an enabling environment to realise their full potential,” NAN quoted Suleiman-Ibrahim as saying.
He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to appoint a reasonable number of PWDs as members of his cabinet to increase inclusivity and strengthen democracy.
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“We have many of our members that are educated. If the five percent affirmative action is implemented, it would go a long way in alleviating the plight of PWDs,” he added.
He also pleaded with Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, to establish a commission to administer the affairs of PWDs in the state.
Suleiman-Ibrahim added that the commission should not be merged with the ministry of women affairs.
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He called on PWDs to stand up for their rights and avoid street begging but respect rules and regulations and report any discriminatory attitude towards them to the group for necessary legal actions.
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