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Reps Criticise Non Implementation Of Disability Act 6 Years After Passage

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By Gloria Ikibah 
 
 
The House of Representatives has criticised the non implementation of the Prohibition Against Persons With Disability Act by both government agencies and the private sector.
 
 
The Leader of the House, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere who stated this at a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Disability Matters, said unless something drastic is done, the law will remain just on paper.
 
 
According to the House Leader, many Nigerians, including heads of government agencies believe that the Act which was signed into law in 2018 by former President Muhammadu Buhari was a mere joke.
 
 
He expressed sadness that the contribution of PWDs to national development is hardly acknowledged in the country.
 
 
He noted that the political will and commitment for government to the implementation was still low, especially as the National Orientation Agency was just beginning to educate Nigerians on the existence of the law.
 
 
Ihonbvere highlighted the World Health Organisation reports that Nigeria accounts for about 20 million out of 195,000,000 ( one hundred and ninety-five million) persons with disabilities around the world, which implies that “we account for about 3.9 per cent of the figure”. 
 
 
He said “Until something drastic is done, this act will just remain on paper and will not be implemented. Not even 5 percent since 2018 has been achieved in trying to implement this act. This is not rocket science to adjust buildings to make accessibility possible, to give access to persons with disability.
 
 
“If you think that you are in Nigeria and is very strong, travel abroad and when you see the sign for space for persons with disability, go and pack there. It is somebody who see you packing there without the tag that will call the police. So, it is the political will and the commitment it get it done. Even if we have to block a few offices to do it, we should do it. 
 
 
“The fact remains that unless there is action, we need to amend that law to make a fine of N10 million for corporate bodies who disobey the law and individuals N2 million and one full year in jail. Even in our public transportation, there is no consideration. What kind of people have we become. 
 
 
“We must do the right and I am happy that this taking place. We are open to all ideas. This country does not take this act seriously. We all think it is a joke and something must be done about that. The contribution that persons with disability make to the growth of this country is never acknowledged”.
 
 
Ihonvbere further stated the discrimination and stigmatisation faced by Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria has continued to increase, yet the compliance level of MDAs and the private sector to the “Disability Act” has overtime left the challenges unattended. 
 
 
“Whereas, Section 2 provides for the promotion of awareness regarding (a) rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities; and (b) capabilities, achievements and contributions of persons with disabilities to the society. This is hardly being done. 
 
 
“Even the National Orientation Agency is only just beginning to find its feet and assure Nigerians that the thing exist. The issue of disability can happen to anybody, anytime and anywhere. Nigerians like to pretend and lie to themselves and so, anybody can be a victim.
 
 
“All humans have one disability or the other. Even the natural process of aging precipitates all forms of disabilities. It is therefore germane that we take compliance with the law seriously. 
 
 
“It is worthy of note that the PWDs are a vital part of our society, they are family members or parents who cater for their family needs, they make invaluable contributions at work place, participate in all activities that involves life. 
 
 
“Therefore, they should not be limited in their activities and struggle to earn a living, get education and enjoy equal rights. Deliberate support from government and those who have the responsibility to do what is necessary is therefore needed to ensure that the capacities of the PWDs are harnessed as part of the process of sustainable development. 
 
 
“We all know that the National Assembly passed the Bill on the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018 and was accented to by President Muhammadu Buhari, this means that this law in already in force. 
 
“The Acts protects the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria, as enunciated by Part V, which provides for the liberty, right to education, health and first consideration in queues, accommodation and in emergencies.
 
“Yet, MDAs are yet to implement the Act even at this moment that we speak. But if this is allowed to continue, it will cause severe damage to our social economic development and further impair our thinking as a people without understanding and the will to do the right thing. 
 
“I am particularly impressed at the effort of the Chairman, House Committee on Disability Matters to invite all relevant stakeholders to engage the issues and ensure that these engagements translate into action which I believe we will help make considerable and impactful progress.
 
 
“I am also encouraged with the involvement and the presence of the CSOs that have been active partners with the National Assembly even during the formative days of this Bill. I want to assure the PWD Community that the Leadership of the House of Representatives will provide the necessary support to ensure the full implementation of this law and any other assistance needed to creating a more inclusive Nigeria because, we are in this together”, he added. 
 
 
Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu in his address noted that the public hearing was put together to gather information from the disability community especially on the implementation of the Disability Act.
 
 
According to Dawodu, the Disability Act provides for the protection of rights and welfare of PWD’s. 
 
 
He said: “This enquiry will critically assess thematic areas of accessibility, employment, disability inclusion in policy, plans, programme and projects of the MDA’s Of special interest is Accessibility to public buildings and the use of sign language interpreters in the media and all public communications”.
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Bread and butter activists: Wike not available for such adult delinquents-Olayinka slams Adeyanju

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Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has reiterated that the Minister will not give attention to “professional scammers and hustlers” who are masquerading as activists.

In a statement on Saturday, the Spokesperson to the FCT Minister said most of those jumping from one social media platform to another to speak against the FCT Minister were doing so because he ignored them and is making the “Yahoo Yahoo” antics through which they have sustained themselves to fail.

He said; “While growing up as a child in the hilly town of Okemesi Ekiti, one of the lessons I learned from my grandfather was never to wrestle with pigs. He was constantly telling us that the danger of wrestling with a pig will be that at the end of the fight, sane minds won’t be able to differentiate between you and the pig you fought with.

Therefore, as a matter of principle, we won’t dignify some people with any response.

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“This is more so that we know how a certain emergency activist diverted election money to purchase a petrol station. We know how some so-called activists have fought themselves over protest money, including the one in 2019.

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AFCON 2025Q: Eguavoen excuses bereaved Nwabali from Amavubi clash

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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Super Eagles caretaker coach, Augustine Eguavoen, has excused Stanley Nwabali from the team’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda

The Chippa United lost his father on Friday morning.

The former surveyor died at the age of 67.

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“He (Nwabali) has been excused from the game. However, the player will come to watch the match and cheer his team mates on,” team administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, told thenff.com.

Eguavoen now has two goalkeepers, Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie available for the game.

The Super Eagles will host the Rwandans at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Monday.

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Gov Okpebholo Makes Six Fresh Appointments In Edo

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The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of six more persons to serve in various capacities in his government.

Those appointed include Dr. Emmanuel Paddy lyamu as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Lucky Enehita-Inegbenehi as the Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board; and CP Friday Ibadin, Rtd, State Corps Commander, Edo State Security Corps Governance.

Others are Stainless M.I. Ijeghede as the Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Management Agency, (EDSTMA); Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, as Managing Director, Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency; and Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, as Hon. Commissioner of Finance-designate.

In a statement on Friday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, made available to newsmen in Benin City, he said the six appointments take effect from November 15, 2024.

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Dr. Iyamu holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Benin. He is also a holder of Doctor of Science in Petroleum Resources from the European American University.

Iyamu is a strategic leader and renowned expert in security, business administration, human resources. An alumnus of Oxford University (Said Business School), he holds a Professional Doctorate in Leadership and Management from City University of Paris.

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Iyamu has excelled across the banking, oil, and gas sectors, significantly improving corporate security and crisis management operations.

Until his appointment, Dr. Iyamu was the Chief Executive Oficer of Gabbem Integrated Services Lid, a leading company specialized in marine equipment and services.

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Similarly, the second appointee Enehita-Inegbenehi obtained his B.Sc. (Human Resource d M.Sc. in Strategic Leadership and Governance from the University of Cape Coast respectively.

He is a dynamic and result-oriented professional, with an extensive experience in leadership and human resource management. He has proven abilities to analyze complex issues, develop effective strategies and guide teams towards success while fostering professional growth.

Inegbenehi was the Chief Executive Officer of JEI Visions Iron Metals, JEI Visions Service Apartments as well as JEI Visions Cleaning Services.

The third appointee CP Ibadan worked and retiredY from the Nigeria Police after a meritorious 35 years of service. He was one of the 11 officers seconded to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and was a regional officer in the Headquarters.

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He has attended various security courses in Egypt, France, USA among others. CP Friday Obadin holds the Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy and Law, respectively and was later called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2007.

He is a member of Afican centre from crime prevention research studies, Cairo, Egypt. He is happily married with children.

The fourth appointee ljeghede holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He had a successful career in the Petroleum Industry, having worked and held sensitive positions, particularly in the Well Engineering and Safety Department in Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd.

He retired from the Service of Shell after a meritorious service.

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The fifth appointee Eseigbe obtained his LL.B and LL.M at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma respectively. Until this appointment, Lucky Eseigbe Esq, was a Legislative Aide/Legal Adviser/Consultant to notable Honourable Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from year 2007 to November 2024.

The sixth appointee Okoebor was born on October 21, 1972. He had his first degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Benin City respectively.

Engr. Okoebor, MBA has over 25 years of experience in the Banking Sector, including roles at the Standard Trust and United Bank of Africa (UBA).

He rose through the ranks in the Banking Industry to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) and is currently Regional Manager, United Bank of Africa (UBA) overseeing 15 Business Offices.

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Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor MBA is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered member of COREN.

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