*Say, MDAs shunned requests for meetings
*Demand reversal of 7.5% VAT to 5%, full implementation of Disabilities Act
*Reps to introduce Sign Language interpreter during Plenary

Persons With Disabilities PWDs in the country have kicked against their continued exclusion from engagements regarding the articulation and distribution of post-fuel subsidy palliatives by the President Bola Tinubu administration.

They said they were only able to meet with the House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Disability, Dr Bashiru Dawodu as several requests they made for meetings with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs were turned down.

At a news conference Friday in Abuja, the coalition of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities OPDS in Nigeria under the aegis of Accelerate Disability Inclusion in Emergencies ADIE Forum, equally demanded a reversal of the 7.5% Value Added Tax VAT to its initial 5%.

Addressing participants, Hon. Dawodu said the House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas had recently given approval to have a sign language interpreter in the lower chamber during proceedings.

Pledging support for PWDs in the country, the lawmaker said he would use his office to promote their cause, but challenged them not to relent in demanding their rights which he said are not given on a platter.

He said; “We have had some discussions with the Speaker and he has obliged us that for the first time, we will have sign language interpreters during plenary so that PWDs in that category can understand deliberations in the House. “I will vigorously pursue your recommendations because I agree with what you have said”.

Those who spoke for the PWDs were Grace Jerry, Co-chairperson, Accelerate Disability Inclusion in Emergencies ADIE Forum; and Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association IFA; Christian Agbo, Co-chairperson, ADIE; and Executive Director, the Qualitative Magazine; Jake Epelle, Founder/Chief Executive Officer TAF Africa, and Member, ADIE Forum; Lois Auta, Chief Executive Officer, Cedar Seed Foundation; and Member, ADIE Forum; Betty Mube, Women Leader, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD, FCT Chapter; and, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre CISLAC; and Chair, Board of Trustees, Amnesty International Nigeria.

They said; “After our last press conference, we wrote letters requesting for meetings with government Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs and relevant committees of the National Assembly. Sadly, only the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Disability, Hon. Bashiru Dawodu, responded. We held a fruitful meeting with Hon Dawodu and left with the impression that we have in him a leader who is knowledgeable and passionate about the welfare of PWDs.

“We acknowledge the measures announced by President Bola Tinubu during his July 31 and Independence Day broadcasts. They are welcome developments. There is however a need to do more. To do more however, the federal, state and local governments need to bring Organizations of Persons with Disabilities OPDs to the table.

He expressed pride in Egypt’s African roots and the shared vision for a brighter future filled with peace and progress for both nations.

‘’Egypt and Nigeria enjoy long and extended historical relations which we seek to strengthen through our governments and armed forces; in addition to investing in the enormous economic and cultural potentials of our countries. ‘’We look forward to developing our strong partnership at all levels and in all fields, especially security, military, and fighting terrorism.

‘’What has been achieved in military cooperation between our two countries during the past period came as a result of the intense work and the sincere desire of our leaders to strengthen this cooperation based on the existing of status quo of fraternity, friendship and the common will to spread the culture of peace and confront the forces of violence and extremism in our continent,’’ he said.