A traditional ruler in Akwa Ibom, Raymond Inyang, has called for the inclusion of physically challenged persons in the implementation of Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) initiatives.
Inyang, the Paramount Ruler of Onna, made the call on Friday when a delegation from the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) visited him.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the visit was part of efforts to ensure that physically challenged persons benefited from the activities and programmes of HCDT in the state.
Inyang who commended the group for its advocacy efforts, reiterated the need for a more robust approach that would deepen the message.
“We need to take steps that will take this advocacy to the communities, we need to accommodate all persons with disabilities,” he said.
The paramount ruler said that he would mandate village heads to promote and protect the rights of physically challenged persons in their communities.
“We need to bring it down to the villages so that we can start it up in the community, this advocacy has to commence with the villages.
“I call all the village heads and youth leaders to go back to their village councils and let them know about this,” he said.
Inyang called on CCD in Akwa Ibom, especially in Onna community to develop a strong database that captured all persons with disabilities.
According to him, the database will be a guide for proper planning to give assistance to persons with disabilities from the community in accordance with the PIA Act.
Earlier, the Coordinating Secretary of CCD in Akwa Ibom, Mr Victor James, thanked the paramount ruler for the audience, leadership, and anticipated support.
James said that the visit aimed to seek the inclusion of PWDs in structures, programmes and benefits established under the PIA Act on Host Community Development Trust.
He appealed for adequate representation of PWDs on host community development committees, and their consultation on projects and programmes affecting persons with disabilities.
The secretary called for equitable access to empowerment programmes, skills development, scholarships, employment opportunities and other benefits arising from HCDT.
“We urge you to encourage relevant HCDT authorities and community leadership structures to consider qualified and credible persons with disabilities for appropriate representation.
“We request that the needs of PWDs be considered when community development projects are identified, prioritised, and implemented,” he said.
James urged community leaders and stakeholders to recognise PWDs as important contributors to community development
He said that the needs of PWDs should always be considered in HCDT planning and decision-making processes.
NAN reports that CCD is an advocacy organisation with support from the Ford Foundation.
