By Joy Odor
The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige has affirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to implement law mandating 5% Employment lnclusion allocation of jobs for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in private and public sectors.
The Minister who made this known at the 16th anniversary celebration of the Kpakpando Foundation for People Living with Disabilities (PWDs) with the Theme: 5% Employment lnclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: “Time to Walk The Talk” in Abuja on Saturday said he would put it in the circular to all the ministries and parastatals by next week.
Dr. Chris Ngige who was cheerd by the over 1,000 persons living with disabilities at the event added that he has given agencies under his Ministry clear directives toward the implication of the policy.
According to him, such policy is another major policy which the government of President Buhari ensured inclusivity in government, stressing that the Federal Government is totally committed to making life more meaningful to the less privileged people in the society.
“The Labor ministry would also support the Kpakpando Foundation in providing materials and cash for persons with disabilities” he said.
The Minister commended the Founder of Kpakpando Foundation, Senator Osita Izunaso for his consistency in supporting and funding the wellbeing of persons with disabilities for the past 16 years.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi disclosed that the State has signed into law the Disability Act and also subscribed to the 5l% employment inclusion of person with disabilities.
Governor Feyemi who was the Chairman of the occasion attracted dignitaries and lots of government personalities and politicians, added that the State did not only signed the Act but also established an office for disability commission and populated it with technology moden equipment.
He said Ekiti State had also set up disability Council to manage their Affairs, noting that the State would continue to commit to achieve succeful inclusiveness.
“The State has set up an ultra moden Center for people with disabilities, lt is not only they are concious of the effort of the Foundation but supportive of the process but insist on the change of the policy for the Better.
“I commend the efforts of the Foundation for keeping the hope of the disabilities alive and Working hard on the objectives of programs of the Foundation expecially in achieving the 5% employment inclusion” he noted.
Governor Fayemi who after his speech officially unveiled the give away prices, and donations such as generations, fans, free medical outreach, different types of disabilities equipment, scholarships and many more also donated five million naira for the upliftment of PWDs.
The occasion also attracted about 3,000 of challenged people drawn from across the nooks and crannies of the federation many of who benefited from gifts and scholarships donated by the foundation.
