FCTA Reinforces Commitment To Disability Rights, Unveils Policy Document

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reaffirmed its dedication to the welfare and rights of Persons Living With Disabilities (PWDs) with the development of the FCT Disability Policy Document, a landmark framework designed to protect the community.

In a statement signed by Josie Mudasiru, deputy director of Information
FCT Women Affairs Secretariat, the commitment was underscored during a courtesy visit by the FCT Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) to the Women Affairs Secretariat.

The mandate secretary of the Secretariat, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, revealed that the FCT minister has approved the establishment of a Disability Desk Unit within the Secretariat, to be headed by a PWD.

She described this as a testament to the Administration’s resolve to safeguard the rights of the disability community.

“You may wish to recall that the implementation of the Disability Act and Policy within the FCT is a collaboration with the World Bank and signed by the Minister himself. The Women Affairs Secretariat is only there to coordinate the process,” Benjamins-Laniyi said.

She emphasized that the slogan, “Nothing about you, without you,” was the driving force behind the creation of the Disability Desk, which is intended to be institutionalized and replicated across all Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies (SDAs) in the FCT.

Benjamins-Laniyi expressed optimism about the future, noting that she expects the eventual establishment of a full-fledged FCT Disability Agency, citing the supportive role of the FCT minister, Nyesom Wike.

“The FCT minister is the first in the history of Nigeria to approve that a day, December 10th of every year, is set aside to celebrate and discuss the challenges of the Adolescent Girl Child,” she said.

She called on relevant partners and stakeholders to work towards dismantling barriers that hinder the full participation of PWDs in society.

Speaking on behalf of the disability community, the Acting Chairman of JONAPWD, Mr Ayoade Beyioku Alase, lauded the FCTA for its deliberate advocacy and efforts.

He specifically praised the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for the recent empowerment of 250 PWDs with N200,000 each.

While commending the ongoing developmental strides of the FCTA, Mr. Alase appealed for the urgent establishment of the proposed FCT Agency for Persons With Disabilities.

“25 states in Nigeria have domesticated the Disability Act. In the North Central region, the FCT remains the only entity yet to establish its own agency,” he noted.

He outlined other priorities for the community, including free health insurance, disability-friendly hospital services, employment equity, social protection, and operational support for the JONAPWD FCT Chapter.

He also called for the inclusion of data and infrastructure to ensure all public facilities are accessible to PWDs.

In response, the mandate secretary commended JONAPWD as a worthy partner and assured them that the FCT Administration would continue to protect their interests, rights, and dignity.