Group tasks Adamawa govt on disabilities commission

The Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster (ADAC), a coalition of five Civil Society Organizations (CSO) promoting inclusion, has called on Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa to establish a disabilities commission in the state.
Ms Grace Jerry, the Executive Director, Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) and ADAC Cluster Anchor, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.
Jerry said the group staged a solidarity walk to create awareness on the necessity for the commission, saying that the walk was conducted by ADAC and the Adamawa structures of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and other organizations.
‘’ADAC is very aware of the inclusive steps of this administration especially after it paid advocacy calls to some key government officials before and after the re-election of Fintiri.
She added that ADAC was also aware of the involvement of the community in the distribution of palliative material, employment opportunities and other empowerment programs.
She commended the effort of the governor in creating an inclusive environment and supporting Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), however, there was more to be done.
“However, we encourage the governor to engrave his name in history by establishing a Disability Commission which is in accordance with the Adamawa Disability Law of 2016 to enlist the state as an inclusive state in the country.
“This Solidarity Walk calls on the administration of Fintiri to Speedy fulfil his commitment made on his X handle formerly called Twitter.
“Our government remains committed to fostering policies and programs for an enhanced standard of living. Let’s collaborate to build an inclusive and supportive society for all.
“Establishing the Adamawa State Disability Commission is a right step in Fostering Policies that enhance standard of living which is the desire of His Excellency,” she said.
Jerry said that the implementation of the Adamawa Disability Law would enhance the inclusive education, accessible and health systems.
She said that it would also close the knowledge deficit that existed between the citizenry, stop discrimination of Persons with Disabilities and create inclusive employment with reasonable accommodation.
She said it would also create accessible systems and structures, and increase economic growth of the state thereby reducing insecurity.
“We call on the private sector to provide PWDs oriented programming through the use of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“We call on the citizenry to increase their support to the sustainability of the government’s efforts for Persons with Disabilities,” she said.
Jerry said ADAC also called on religious and traditional institutions to support PWDs through increased sensitization using their structured platforms for behavioral change to eradicate discrimination against them.
She urged them to make worship centers accessible for all.