By Lanre Oloyede
May 28, 2024
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon Mohammed Abba Isa, has promised to have a robust engagement with the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, in order to improve the welfare and revitalize the traditional institutions of Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria.
Hon. Abba Isa also advocated for the need to co-opt the welfare of Persons With Disabilities in the annual budget of the federal government.
The SSAP gave the promise when a delegation of traditional leaders of disability clusters from across the six area councils in the federal capital territory paid him a congratulatory visit in his office in Abuja.
The visit to the SSA office by the traditional leaders came as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks one year in office, and was meant to celebrate his remarkable efforts in promoting inclusivity and empowerment of PWDs under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
The delegation led by Emir Yahaya Mohammed comprising representatives from various organizations and community of PWDs celebrated Abba Isa for his tireless efforts in promoting their welfare and well-being.
The disability cluster leaders also commended President Tinubu for his inclusive approach and commitment to the welfare of PWDs as evident in his appointment and policies. They equally prayed for the continued success of his administration as he marks one year in office .
While addressing the delegation, the Senior presidential aide, appreciated the resilience of the traditional institutions and how they are contributing to nation building.
He noted that the traditional institutions are the custodian of the people and as such deserve every support they can get like every other traditional rulers.
The SSAP acknowledged that though there is a gap between the government and institutions of Persons With Disabilities which needs to be filled, he however assured them that they are not neglected.
The presidential aide assured them that their concerns will be looked into while promising to engage the FCT Minister, the six area council chairmen as well as other stakeholders to ensure that issues of their welfare is addressed.
“These are traditional rulers from six area Council representing different clusters. They are the custodian of the people, they represent the people from the grassroots . The purpose of their visit is to show solidarity and congratulate Mr President for his remarkable achievements in one year in office and to seek for divine intervention for his continued success.
“All these complaints in terms of your welfare, I will make sure that I reach the FCT minister. We are going to make sure that we engage with all the chairmen in the six area councils and other stakeholders to make sure that your welfare is well catered to.
“You are not neglected but there is a gap between the government and institutions of PWDs. You need to be co-opted in the budget and I will make sure I meet the FCT Minister with regards to your welfare.
“We want to see the traditional institutions of PWDs function well. You are the custodian of the people and you need machinery like every other Emir. There’s no difference.
“I urge you to have unity of purpose among yourself. All of us are leaders as long as you represent people, and as long as you have people under you.
” I appreciate the support you are giving to this government, and I urge you to continue to pray for this administration to succeed,” Hon. Abba Isa stated.
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