A 12-man Nigeria People’s Disability Parliament has been inaugurated by Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to mark the 2019 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in Abuja recently.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Promoting the Participation of Persons with Disabilities and their Leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda”.
Giving the reason for inaugurating the parliament, the minister said, “This will enhance their visibility in the scheme of affairs in the country and a voice to air their thoughts. I believe this will be the beginning of good things to come to persons living with disabilities in Nigeria”.
The members of the Parliament include Rasak Adekoya, Rebecca Kwayama, Umar Cayyanu, Janet Mohammed, Aver Akighir and Sunday Ajiya.
Others are Peter Terver, Toryem Sedoo, Vivian Onyadufu, Ekeleme Ugochukwu, Mrs Amaka Peterside and Mrs Ifeoma Ohue.
While Adekoya is the Speaker of the Parliament, Peterside and Ohue are parents of intellectually disabled children.
Ugochukwu said he represents a person with a physical challenge in the parliament.
“My role in the parliament is to make sure that persons with disabilities are defended and to be a voice for them at the Federal level. I believe that we will overcome all challenges”.
The parliament had their first sitting where issues relating to inclusiveness and the need to be given a chance to contribute to national development were deliberated.
