Rivers
Rivers Partner TAF To Promote Disability Inclusion
The Rivers State Government has pledged to partner with TAF Africa, a leading advocate for disability inclusion and champion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) rights, to tackle the unique challenges faced by PWDs in the state.
This partnership, according to the State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Ilamu Arugu, underscores the government’s commitment to promoting inclusive governance and ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
The State Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr Ilamu
Arugu, who made this pledge during an advocacy visit by TAF Africa delegation in Port Harcourt, reaffirmed the State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara-led administration’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) by fast-tracking the passage of the prohibition bill.
He assured the TAF Africa delegation that the government will work closely with them to ensure the bill’s successful passage.
“We are committed to partnering with you to address your needs and challenges. We will work together to ensure that the prohibition bill is passed this year”, the Commissioner said.
He also directed that a desk officer be assigned to work with PWDs, to ensure that their requests and concerns are addressed promptly.
He thanked the TAF Africa group for their visit and assured them that the government is committed to supporting PWDs.
Earlier in his remarks, the TAF Africa delegation led by Mr. George Dominic Anwayi said their advocasy visit, which was the first in the State, was aimed at seeking partnership with the State Government to promote disability inclusion in governance and its policies.
Mr. Anwayi noted that the organization has been working with various stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure that persons with disabilities are carried along in the electoral process.
“They have also collaborated with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to develop a framework for access to work schemes, targeting job opportunities for persons with disabilities in the private sector”, he stated.
The TAF Africa spokesperson during the meeting disclosed that the organization is currently implementing a project on inclusive governance in Rivers State, funded by PRF.
He said the project aims to promote the inclusion of persons with disabilities in government programmes and policies, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other legal provisions.
Anwayi expressed support for the proposed disability bill in Rivers State, commending the state government’s efforts to ensure disability inclusion.
He called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to promote inclusive governance and ensure that persons with disabilities are integrated into all aspects of life.
The meeting, which was attended by representatives of PWDs and government officials including directors and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Professor Justina Jumbo, was described as “fruitful and productive”.