… Says there’s no bad governance under President Tinubu’s leadership
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, has announced that the community of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria are totally against the proposed nationwide protests against the federal government by some unknown groups.
Hon. Abba Isa made the announcement at a Press briefing today in Abuja to affirm the position of the Nigerian disability community on the proposed demonstration.
The senior presidential aide maintained that the proposed nationwide protest is being planned by certain elements who do not mean well for the country.
“We wish to state that the community of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria are totally against the proposed protest and we completely dissociate ourselves from the destructive exercise which aim is solely to turn back the wheel of progress the nation is recording under the visionary leadership of President Tinubu.
“Without any equivocation, the over 35.1 million PWDs in Nigeria remain united and stand strong by the government of Asiwaju and his Renewed Hope Agenda,” the SSAP averred.
The presidential aide further stated that that there is no bad governance under President Tinubu leadership as being claimed, stressing that instead since the inception of this administration, the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly, Persons With Disabilities, has been the primary focus and preoccupation of the government.
The SSAP noted that the proposed protest is being masterminded by political opponents who are seeking to seize power through the backdoor, adding that the protest is a ploy to undermine our democracy and disrupt the progress we are making.
“I am proud to announce that the 35 million Nigerians with disabilities have declared their non-participation in the proposed protest. Despite being among the most vulnerable and disproportionately facing hardships compared to our non-disabled counterparts, PWDs in Nigeria have chosen to place their faith in the Renewed Hope agenda and the emerging policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which we believe have long-term benefits for all Nigerians.
“This administration’s commitment to the welfare of PWDs is evident through initiatives such as the Beyond Disability Project. The presidency has invested 1 billion naira into this project, a gesture that has restored hope among PWDs. Furthermore, we are encouraged by the various empowerment programs in the pipeline for PWDs that require our patience and resilience to attain.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, significant strides have been made with regards to the rights and welfare of Persons With Disabilities including the following
1. The appointment of an SSA on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities to oversee the inclusion of disability requirements and perspectives in policies plans and programs of MDAs, including subnational authorities.
2. Funding of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, a long-awaited milestone for our community.
3. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s historic signing of the Africa Charter on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, demonstrating his commitment to our welfare.
4. Allocation of 10% of all social intervention funds for PWDs, by some government ministries aimed at ensuring our inclusion in development programs.
5. Establishment of APC PWD structures from national to local government levels, providing a platform for our voices to be heard.
6. Launch of the Beyond Disability Project, empowering PWDs through talent and skill development, educational support, agricultural schemes, food banks, assistive devices, and medical outreach programs.
7. Support for the Beyond Disability Project with a 1 billion naira grant, demonstrating the government’s tangible commitment to our empowerment,” the aide to President Tinubu stated.
Hon. Abba Isa insisted that no government has been as committed to the welfare and well-being of Persons With Disabilities and special needs in Nigeria as this current administration.
The presidential aide urged all Nigerians, especially those with disabilities, to reject the call for protest but rather stand together in unity to support the government, and work towards a brighter future for all.
