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COVID-19: US-based group petitions NASS over FG’s delay in establishing disabilities agency to address members’ plights

Published

4 years ago

May 17, 2020

Amidst the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Nigeria, the United States (US)-based Nigerians living with disabilities have petitioned the leadership of the National Assembly over the Federal Government’s delay in establishing an agency to oversee the affairs of the people living with disabilities in the country.

The groups; Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International, Inc. (ERPWDI), FESTAC-USA, Inc., Kaysom Holding, Inc., Center for Advocacy and Citizens with Disabilities, among other allies, stated that the delay to set up the agency was in contravention with the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, otherwise known as Nigerians with Disabilities Act (NDA)).

The petition was jointly signed by Chief Eric Ndubueze Ufom, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ERPWDI and Mrs. Ngozi Pauline Ikebuaku, Executive Secretary of the organisation, on behalf of the coalition of US-based non-profit bodies advocating for the over 31 million Nigerians living with disabilities.

It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had, on Jan. 23, 2019, signed the Disability Bill into law with Section 31 of the Act, providing for the setting up of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities with Executive Secretary as the head.

Also, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, and Speaker, House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila, had, on April 7, met with the the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Sadiya Umar Farouq, against the backdrop of the ongoing Federal Government intervention initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the most vulnerable Nigerians.

The leadership of the National Assembly had faulted the way the Social Investment Programme (SIP) of the Federal Government was being implemented and called for an enabling legislation in line with global best practices.

Lawan and Gbajabiamila made it clear that the SIP which was established in 2016 under the Presidency but which is now under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs needed a reform to make it more efficient and effective to addressing the problems of the poorest Nigerians.

Reacting in the petition, the group called on Lawan, Gbajabiamila, other principal members of the legislature, including the Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr. Mohammed Sani-Omolori, to come to the rescue of their members living in the country at this period of COVID-19.

The coalition urged the legislative arm to prevail on the executive towards ensuring the establishment of the commission that would help to oversee the affairs of the 31 million of their members living in the country in accordance with the law, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2030 Agenda.

The group alleged that the intervention by various governments to cushion Nigerians plights in the country during this disease outbreak had left out the larger part of their members.

“On behalf of over 31 million Nigerians and one billion persons with disabilities worldwide, 10 million Almajiris and millions of victims of terrorism, bandits, kidnapping, armed robbery, man-made and natural disasters, climate change, waste, transboundary, indoors and outdoors air pollutions and their massive health effects which causes permanent disabilities to the victims if they are not dead, we, the Nigerian-Americans with disabilities living in the United States, move to send this heartfelt very thank you note to the National Assembly’s members for the extra productive emergency meeting of the joint National Assembly with the Hon. Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Developments.

“Therefore Sir, the main focus of this petition is on the valid, arguable and verifiable subjects of civil, human, disability and constitutional questions/issues, which you discussed and clearly stated.

“We humbly and respectfully ask you to please Sir, patiently study the outcome of your meeting and our ‘COVID-19-May Workers Day: PART ONE: Chronological Order Historic Documentary Report/Petition Against the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Demand for the Immediate Establishment of an Independent Implementation Commission for the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities.’

“COVID-19 Pandemic: Therefore, we are very angry about how the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been acting during this ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, by continuing with Nigeria’s usual well documented, known and recognised, over one Century’s old (Since 1914 Amalgamation of Nigeria), bad practices of gross marginalisation, disenfranchisement, discrimination, denial of programmes and services, etc, of Nigerians with disabilities under their direct cares,” they said.

The group, which admitted that the National Assembly was correct in its observation that the SIP needed a reform to make it more efficient and effective, said it was disheartening that none of the real leaders of 31 million Nigerians with disabilities, 10 million Almajiris, millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and others, were contacted by the Presidency and the ministry.

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Olawande’s 21st Century Skills initiative, A Move Towards Re-fertilization Of Nigerian Youths

Published

4 days ago

November 6, 2024

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Transforming the Nigeria youths to equip the current and future generations with 21st century skills is important. The Africa and National Youth Day 2024 is therefore a historic moment to put a need 21st century skills at the forefront toward the the growth and development of all.

Nigeria as a nation has made meaningful progress in education over the past 60 years, with more girls in school and more students in Higher education system than ever before.

Reports showed that School completion rates have increased from 2000 to 2022 at all levels.

Still, these gains are insufficient to prepare Nigerians youth for the 21st century and its fast-changing professional landscape. By 2030, roughly 60 million jobs iin Nigeria and 230 million in Africa will demand digital skills. Classroom practices must shift to meet these future employability needs and nurture creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Nigeria recorded the largest population of young people in the continent of Africa that means a 21st century skills is critical to to equip the current and future generations.

Based on this, Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande who has been promoter and advocate of digital skiill even before he became Minister has once again initiate digital literacy programmes, technical skills empowerment and leadership insight and urged young people to actively develop and adopt crucial 21st-century skills to effectively combat the rising issue of unemployment.

When he was Minister Youth for State, he introducing the Youth Development Fund to support young entrepreneurs, implementing the Youth Empowerment Program, training over 10,000 young people in vocational skills, establishing the Youth Mentorship Initiative, pairing young people with experienced professionals, and developing the National Youth Policy, providing a framework for youth development.

He also initiated the “One Youth One Ward” initiative to tackle drug abuse, established the Youth Innovation Hub, hosted the National Youth Conference, rolled out the Youth Volunteer Program, fostered partnerships with private sector organizations amongst others.

He has implement innovative programs, foster strategic partnerships, and demonstrated unwavering commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.

Now Minister of Youth without doubt has been at the forefront of this journey, demonstrating unwavering dedication to empowering Nigerians youth even from his school days.

Comrade Ayodele Olawande made this appeal today in Abuja during the Africa and National Youth Day Celebration with the theme : ‘ Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century’ and sub-theme: ‘Building a Resilient Education System: A New Hope for Nigerian Youth’,

He said such skills like critical thinking, digital literacy, and effective communications are essential tools for navigating the increasingly competitive job markets.

Olawande strongly advocated for the youth of Nigeria to prioritize the investment of their time and put efforts in developing a diverse range of essential skills and competencies by actively engaging in the pursuit that can significantly enhance their employability that will make them attractive candidates before their potential employers.

According to the Minister, “acquiring these skills will equip youth to confidently navigate the complexities and demands of an increasingly competitive job market, where adaptability and innovation are crucial. This proactive approach plays a vital role in addressing the rising unemployment crisis that has been affecting many young Nigerians today.”

“Through dedicated skill development, they can not only improve their job prospects but also lay the groundwork for sustainable career growth and success in the long run. In this rapidly evolving economic landscape, embracing continuous learning and professional development is not just beneficial; it is essential for achieving one’s career aspirations,” he explained.

The Minister further explained that the theme, “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century,” serves as a powerful endorsement of the One Youth Two Skills initiative, adding that it will foster practical skills alongside formal education.

Olawande stated : “This initiative aims to empower youth and create sustainable employment opportunities. Ultimately, the initiative is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eliminate unemployment and promote economic growth across the continent”.

In his paper presentation, Professor Ahmed Adamu, a lecturer at Nile University, Abuja, stated that by next year, 85 million jobs will be lost due to technological advancements, while 97 million new jobs are expected to be created.

Professor Adamu stressed that the future job market will heavily favour those individuals who proactively seek to acquire new skills and adapt to the evolving technological landscape.

Adamu said that for one to go far in whatever they are doing, they must be self-disciplined, duly intelligent and have the consistency in learning.

However, the minister of Youth led the teaming youths on a road walk from the Ministry to BMO Event Centre to Celebrate Africa and National Youth Day.

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