By Felicia Imohimi
The European Union (EU) in conjunction with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has inaugurated a Disability Inclusion Project.
Jake Epelle, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Albino Foundation, said the project was geared toward enhancing the participation of persons with disabilities in the electoral and political processes in Nigeria.
Epelle noted that the project also cut across every strata of society, adding that the disability community deserved inclusion in the legislative, executive and judicial arm of the government as well as inclusion in the private sector.
“PWDs need magnifying glasses for persons with albinism. INEC does not have enough and we are pleading with the international community to help us.
“The meeting is an opportunity for INEC to tell us what they can do for us to enhance our participation in the electoral processes and what they are not capable of doing so that we can throw it open for those that can assist us,” he said.
Mrs Omotunde Thompson, Disability Desk Coordinator, Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, said the office had mainstreamed disability in its programmes by establishing the desk for coordinating the affairs of persons with disability.
Thompson noted that through the efforts the office, circulars were issued to all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies to better the lots of persons with disability.
The coordinator commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the disability law and promised that the service would implement it.
She said the office was always open to attend to the yearnings and aspirations of PWDs and urged them to feel free to visit the office when the need arose.
Similarly, Mrs Ekaette Umoh, President, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, said the unveiling of the disability inclusion project gave a clear signal about inclusion.
According to her, it shows that there is no inclusive development without disability inclusion. (NAN)
