6th March, 2018
The Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has reiterated its commitment to improve the livelihood of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in the country.
The Minister, Sen. Aisha Jummai Alhassan, gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during stakeholders’ consultative forum for the local production of assistive devices for PWDs.
According to experts, assistive device or technology is an umbrella term that includes assistive, adaptive, and rehabilitative devices for people with disabilities and also the process used.
The Minister represented by the Director of Rehabilitation in the Ministry, Mrs Victoria Akintaro, said there was need to encourage PWD’s to ‘live fulfilled life and make meaningful contribution to social growth.’
According to her, the ministry granted approval for the establishment of local production of assistive device outfit across the country, to enable easy access of equipment by PWDs as well as support local production.
“The ministry granted approval for the establishment of local production of assistive devices outfit in all the states of the federation to ensure that the acute shortage and high cost of the devices are minimized.
“And to further enhance competition with foreign manufacturers.
“The importance of assistive devices in the lives of PWDs cannot be overemphasised. It facilitates mobility and improves their livelihood,’’ she said.
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The Minister expressed satisfaction with local producers of facilities for PWDs, tasked them to enhance quality service and assured them of patronage to enable them continue production.
“In a bid to encourage the efforts of local producers, the ministry recently purchased some assistive devices and distributed to some PWD’s.
“ This gesture went a long way to demonstrate the commitment and zeal that the ministry has for local producers and PWDs in Nigeria,’’ she said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs lfeoma Anagbogu, represented by Mrs Nkechi Onwukwe, said the local production of assistive devices for PWDs was a gateway to inclusive development.
One of the PWDs, Suleiman Abdulmumuni, said producing the devices locally would go a long way in ensuring quality devices at a cheaper rate.