By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, has recommended selection criteria and methodology for the identification of beneficiaries of assistive devices to be provided for children with disabilities by the ECOWAS Commission in three of its member states.
Hon. Abba Isa, who gave the recommendations Thursday at a Consultative meeting on the Review and Validation of Terms of Reference for the Provision of Assistive Device to children with Disabilities by the Commission, noted that
provision of assistive devices is not merely a matter of charity; but a fundamental human right, stressing that every child has the right to participate fully in society, to learn, to play, and to contribute their unique talents and perspectives.
The SSAP lamented that for children with disabilities, accessing education, healthcare, and other essential services can be hindered by the lack of appropriate assistive devices
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities then reiterated that he remained committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has access to the tools and support they need to thrive, which according to him, is in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration which is to ensure that every segment of the society is adequately catered to and included in this government.
He said: “As we gather here today to review and validate the terms of reference for this important initiative, it is crucial that we consider the following key points:
1. Accessibility and Inclusivity: The provision of assistive devices must be done in a manner that is accessible and inclusive.
2. Quality and Sustainability: We must prioritize the procurement of high-quality assistive devices that are durable, reliable, and easy to maintain.
3. Equity and Non-Discrimination: The selection of beneficiaries must be guided by principles of equity and non-discrimination. Priority should be given to children from marginalized communities, including those living in rural areas, and those from low-income households.
4. Partnerships and Collaboration: Addressing the needs of children with disabilities requires a multi-sectoral approach and collaboration among government agencies, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector.”
In recommending the selection criteria and methodology for the identification of beneficiaries, Hon. Abba Isa proposed the following:
1. Needs Assessment: Conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to identify the specific assistive devices required by children with disabilities in different regions of Nigeria.
2. Transparent and Objective Criteria: Develop transparent and objective criteria for the selection of beneficiaries based on factors such as the severity of disability, economic status, geographical location, and availability of support services.
3. Community Engagement: Engage local communities and community-based organizations in the identification process to ensure that the needs of children with disabilities are accurately identified and addressed.
4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the distribution and usage of assistive devices, as well as their impact on the lives of children with disabilities.
The Senior Presidential aide commended the ECOWAS COMMISSION as well as other development partners and donors for all the supports they have been giving to the disability community in Nigeria, while assuring them that Mr President is aware of their efforts in creating an inclusive society in Nigeria, which he said have not gone unnoticed.
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