Connect with us

News

Reps Advocate Tax Exemption, Better Support for Persons With Disabilities

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

By Gloria Ikibah
The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Disability Matters, Rep. Bashiru Dawodu, has called for tax exemption for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), insisting they should not be required to pay taxes.
Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by PWDs in Abuja, Rep. Dawodu also urged the government to grant tax relief to companies employing PWDs and those manufacturing facilities for their use.

The Chairman who acknowledged the need for tax reforms identified loopholes in existing bills, and stated that the committee would push for tax credits and waivers for companies producing equipment for PWDs.

Dawodu also advocated scholarships for teachers involved in special education and the establishment of a disability trust fund to protect the interests of PWDs.

He expressed concern over the poor implementation of the 2018 Disability Act, which has a five-year moratorium, stating that both government agencies and the private sector have not diligently enforced its provisions. He revealed that the House was working on amendments to impose stricter penalties for non-compliance.

Advertisement

The lawmaker highlighted some key provisions of the Act, including accessibility to public buildings, transport terminals, education, and healthcare facilities. He noted that despite the creation of the Disability Commission, only 22 states have domesticated the Act, urging others to follow suit.

Dawodu criticized the inadequate budget allocation of about N2 billion to the Disability Commission, describing it as a sign of the government’s neglect of PWDs. He stressed the need for collaboration with NGOs and other organizations, noting that with over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities, the country must do more.

Director of the PWD’s Potential Unhinged Project, Valentine Ugochukwu Zion, stated that the MoU includes a nationwide medical access support initiative for PWDs in underserved areas. He added that it also covers talent discovery, a reality TV show showcasing the resilience of PWDs, and an inclusive musical concert.

Advertisement

News

2027: Tinubu Can Be Shoved Aside If INEC Is Closely Monitored – Dele Momodu

Published

on

By

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

Ex-presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has said it is possible to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election if the opposition gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) close monitoring.

Momodu made the remark during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, stressing that removing President Tinubu from office is not impossible.

According to the politician, who recently announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the opposition needs candidates with the political strength and capacity to challenge the ruling party.

“I don’t know why people think it’s impossible that Asiwaju is not removable. Trust me, as long as we give INEC close marking, and that is why you need candidates who will be able to generate the firepower,” he said

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

VP Shettima, Akpabio, Other Dignitaries Commemorate Armed Forces Remembrance

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Parade and Wreath-Laying Ceremony took place at the National Arcade in Abuja on Thursday

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Benjamin Kalu, Minister of Defence Christopher Musa, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Vice President Shettima at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony in Abuja on Thursday, January 15, 2026
The dignitaries were led to the cenotaph in a solemn march by soldiers, where they laid a wreath in remembrance of the fallen heroes who gave their lives in service to the nation.

Advertisement

Prayers were also conducted for the living and fallen heroes who fought gallantly for global peace and national integration.

The prayers were led by the Director of Chaplain Services (Protestants) Army, Colonel Rev. B.P. Nyam; followed by the Director of Air Force Islamic Affairs, Group Captain H. Idris; and finally, the Director of Chaplain Services (Roman Catholic), Navy Captain Very Rev. Fr. R.C. Diala.

Following the prayers, a minute of silence was observed in honour of the fallen heroes, immediately followed by the firing of the artillery gun.

The wreath-laying ceremony, which involves the placing of flowers at a memorial site, then commenced at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Advertisement

Leading the wreath-laying ceremony was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who solemnly proceeded to lay the wreath, accompanied by the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Onasanya.

Next to lay wreaths were the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.

Following them, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, laid her wreath, immediately succeeded by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (Rtd), and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Abbas Salaheeden, High Commissioner of the Republic of Cameroon.

The Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, and the Inspector General of Police also participated in laying wreaths to honour the fallen heroes.

Advertisement

The Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration (AFRDC) is observed annually on 15 January. It serves to honor veterans of World War I and II, as well as the Nigerian Civil War, and to commemorate the servicemen of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Continue Reading

News

Armed Forces Remembrance Day: HoR minority caucus honour Nigeria’s fallen heroes, say “your sacrifices not forgotten”

Published

on

ADVERTISEMENT
Zoom Ad

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus commemorate with Nigerians on 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, says their sacrifices cannot be forgotten.

This was contained in a commemorative message signed on behalf of the caucus leadership by the Minority Leader, Rep Kingsley Ogundu Chinda stating that:

“Today, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives joins the rest of the nation in solemn reflection as we honour the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering patriotism of the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces (past and present) who laid down their lives in defence of our country.

Advertisement

“On this Armed Forces Remembrance Day, we remember with deep gratitude those who paid the ultimate price to preserve Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and democratic ideals.

“Their selfless service, often rendered in the face of grave danger and personal loss, remains a powerful reminder that our freedoms were hard-won and must never be taken for granted.

“We also salute our wounded heroes and veterans whose sacrifices did not end on the battlefield, as well as the families of fallen soldiers who continue to bear the pain of loss with quiet strength and dignity.

” Your resilience embodies the true spirit of national service, and the nation owes you an enduring debt of gratitude.

Advertisement

“As a Caucus, we reaffirm our commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and their families.

“This includes sustained advocacy for improved welfare packages, adequate equipment, mental health support, timely pensions, and the fulfilment of all statutory obligations owed to those who have served our nation with honour.

“At a time when our country continues to confront security challenges, we urge renewed national unity, responsible leadership, and collective resolve to support our Armed Forces, not only in words, but through concrete policies and actions that strengthen morale, accountability, and professionalism within the security sector.

“May the souls of our fallen heroes rest in perfect peace. May their sacrifices continue to inspire us to work tirelessly for a safer, more just, and more united Nigeria.

Advertisement

“We remember. We honour. We will never forget.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News