Youth ministry to support young people living with disabilities, partners NCPWD

Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim says the ministry would engage the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to ensure that the rights of young individuals with disabilities are protected. Mr Bio-Ibrahim said this Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu. She said: “I look […]

Minister of Youth Development, Dr Jamila Bio-Ibrahim says the ministry would engage the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) to ensure that the rights of young individuals with disabilities are protected.

Mr Bio-Ibrahim said this Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, Mr James Lalu.

She said: “I look forward to working with the commission to ensure that the rights of young people living with disabilities are protected and they live with dignity and earn very good sources of livelihood and then to take as many young people with disabilities off the streets as possible in order to give them a dignified life.

“We have proposed some programs for persons living with disabilities within the six geopolitical zones. We also hope to bring more young people to learn about leadership that is required to address challenges of persons living with disabilities.”

Also speaking, Lalu expressed optimism that the commission’s partnership with the ministry would yield positive results.

The Executive Secretary also called on governors to pass the disability law in their respective states.

“I am optimistic that our partnership with the ministry for youth would yield a lot for youths this year. Presently, 21 states have passed the disability law in their respective states. Out of the 21 states, only 7 have started implementation of the law.

“We are calling on those who have passed the law to start implementation with immediate effect.

“We are also calling on states yet to do anything to key in and give opportunity to persons with disabilities. We have very smart and intelligent persons with disabilities, who have the skills to provide leadership,” he said.