By Lanre Oloyede
In a move to further expand the frontier of opportunities for Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria in line with the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has solicited the partnership and collaboration of the Nigerian Immigration Service, NIS.
The Senior Presidential aide made the move when he paid a courtesy visit to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs Kemi Nanna Nandap at the Service headquarters Abuja.
Hon. Abba Isa commended President Tinubu for founding Mrs Nandap worthy of the appointment as the third female C.G of the Nigerian Immigration Service, adding that her appointment is that of a round peg in a round hole.
According to the SSAP, the objective of the visit was in alignment with the mandate given to his office by President Tinubu to “proactively create avenues of opportunity for inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in the policies and programmes of all Ministries, Department and Agencies of the Federal and State Governments of the Federation”.
The meeting between the two principal government personalities borders on establishing a robust strategic partnership and collaboration to create more avenues of opportunities for inclusion and participation of Persons With Disabilities in a socio-economic endeavors including access to employment opportunities and skills acquisition and development.
The Presidential aide seized the occasion to request the compliance of the Nigerian Immigration Service to the provision of section 29 of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, stating that “All employers of labour in public organizations shall, as much as possible have Persons with disabilities constituting at least 5% of their employment”.
In the course of their productive engagement, Hon. Abba Isa was able to secure the C.G’s agreement in principle to support the upcoming Presidential Socioeconomic Programme scheduled to hold in June, 2024 being initiated by the office of the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
According to him, this year’s programme will host a Para-Sport events particularly shooting and archery which will incorporate Immigration Personnel who must have sustained injuries via accident or in the course of performing their official duties, along with mainstream disability sports men to interact, compete, develop and harvest talents that would be useful to both the NIS and Nigeria.
The grand finale of the event is expected to feature award for winners, and distribution of palliatives to numerous target beneficiaries, a gesture geared towards cushioning the effect of the harsh economic reality of the country.
The SSAP commended the warmness and hospitality of Mrs Nandap for receiving him in her office even within a short notice.
He further appreciated the CG for her gesture in complying with the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) as it affects Persons with Disabilities and other cluster groups.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
