The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has recruited 12 physically challenged youths in compliance with the 2019 Disability Right Law.
The NDDC Director of New Media, Chijioke Amu-Nnadi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Port Harcourt.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that President Muhammadu Buhari on Jan. 23, 2019, signed into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
The NDDC Interim Administrator, Mr Effiong Akwa, presented the new employees with their letters of employment.
Akwa said the commission was fully determined to harness potential of the people of Niger Delta in order to sue for more integration and inclusiveness.
“So, NDDC is perhaps the first Federal Government agency to begin the implementation of the Disability Right Law passed in 2019.
“This shows that we are human and understand and care for others regardless of their physical condition.
“We commend President Buhari for directing the commission to intervene, not only in physical infrastructure projects but also in human capacity building,” he said.
Akwa told the newly employed members of staff that the government by their employment proved its commitment for persons living with disabilities in the country.
He said the passage of the Disability Rights Law further proved that the current administration wants people with physical impairment to enjoy their human rights.
“We feel that this recognition will instil a sense of responsibility, recognition and pride and ownership in persons living with disability.
“This is why we are intervening in their lives and in the lives of all the people of the Niger Delta.
“The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, who forwarded government’s approval for the engagement, had stated that President Buhari is conscious of the plight of persons living with disabilities,” he stated.
The NDDC boss advised physically challenged persons not to be weighed down by their disabilities but seek ways to develop themselves and contribute to development of the region and country.
On his part, the commission’s Director of Human Resources, Silas Anyanwu, called on the new employees to offer their best while carrying out their assigned duties.
Anyone said that NDDC management would support them to make their jobs easier considering their impediments.
“But no one will receive any special favours or considerations, as it is important for you to know that we expect the best from you at all times,” he told the new employees.
Speaking on behalf of the new recruits, Mr Simon Bidei, the Chairman of the Joint Association of People Living with Disability, thanked the commission for the employment.
He also commended the commission for taking into consideration the needs of persons living with disability in constructing the new headquarters building, urging other organisations to emulate NDDC.
