News
CCD harps on creation of disability-inclusive society
The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has called on government at all levels, private sector, and public to work collectively to build an inclusive society where persons with disabilities (PWDs) could thrive.
The Acting Director of the Centre, Mr Godwin Unumeri, made the call in a statement to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Tuesday in Lagos.
The IDPD marked annually on Dec. 3, has the 2025 theme: “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress”.
Unumeri said that the theme strongly aligned with the Centre’s long-standing commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, participation, and empowerment of persons with disabilities.
He said, “For many years, CCD has worked to ensure that both state and non-state actors mainstream disability inclusion into their programmes, policies, and services.
“As we mark the 2025 edition of IDPD, we reiterate our dedication to building a society where every person regardless of disability status can access equal opportunities, participate fully, and reach their full potential”.
According to him, in spite progress made through global frameworks such as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, PWDs in Nigeria continued to face staggering obstacles.
He said PWDs challenges were deepened by their exclusion from governance structures, political processes, leadership positions, and community decision-making platforms.
As a result, he said, their voices were often overlooked in shaping policies that directly affect their lives.
Unumeri emphasised the need for creation of an inclusive society for the PWDs to thrive, saying that creating a truly inclusive society requires deliberate, sustained, and coordinated action.
He said that social progress cannot be achieved when millions of persons with disabilities remain systematically excluded from education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure, public services, and social protection systems.
“Social development rooted in poverty eradication, productive employment, decent work, and inclusive public participation cannot be realised without disability inclusion at its centre.
“For societies to be cohesive, resilient, and accountable, institutions must ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy equal access to opportunities and are recognised as contributors to national development,” he said.
According to him, to advance sustainable development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 8, 10, 11, and 17, disability inclusion must guide national planning and resource allocation.
He added that without integrating persons with disabilities across these goals, Nigeria’s social and economic progress would lag behind.
“To translate this year’s theme into meaningful action, CCD calls on government at all levels, private sector actors, development partners, civil society organisations, and communities to embed disability inclusion in all policies, programmes, and development plans.
“Stakeholders must promote disability-inclusive recruitment practices, ensure equal pay for equal work, support entrepreneurship, and expand access to vocational training tailored to diverse disability needs,” Unumeri said.
News
Federal fire service decorates 130 officers in Kano
The Kano State Command of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) has decorated 130 officers recently promoted to various ranks in a ceremony held in Kano.
The Command’s Controller in the state, Kazeem Sholadoye disclosed this in a statement issued by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin on Wednesday in Kano.
Congratulating the officers, the state controller described their promotion as well deserved and a call to greater responsibility and professionalism.
Sholadoye charged the officers to see their new ranks as an opportunity to demonstrate increased commitment to protection of lives and property.
He reminded them that promotion comes with higher expectations in service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, Deputy Superintendent of Fire in the command, DSF Abdullahi Muhammad expressed appreciation to the management for organising what he described as a befitting ceremony.
He reiterated the readiness of the officers to rededicate themselves to duty and uphold core values of the Federal Fire Service.
News
Tinubu salutes Bisi Akande’s national legacy at 87
President Bola Tinubu has paid glowing tributes to Chief Bisi Akande, elder statesman and former APC national chairman, as he marked his 87th birthday.
Tinubu said this in a special tribute on Thursday to celebrate Akande’s life of service and democratic commitment.
He described Akande as a towering figure who contributed significantly to Nigeria’s political development and democratic institutionalisation.
The President said Akande’s political journey was shaped by Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive ideology and commitment to public service.
Akande began his career as an accountant with British Petroleum before leaving the private sector for public service.
He served as Secretary to the State Government in old Oyo State in 1979 and later became Deputy Governor during the Second Republic.
Tinubu noted that Akande later served as Governor of Osun from 1999 to 2003, where he further distinguished himself.
As interim chairman of the APC, Akande laid the foundation for the party’s historic victory in 2015, Tinubu said.
The President praised Akande’s leadership, integrity, industry and sacrifices for the party and the nation.
He described Akande as a mentor whose guidance, advice and encouragement shaped his political journey.
Tinubu said Akande’s continued support for his administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda remains invaluable.
He noted that, even at 87, Akande remained a firm advocate of democracy, social justice and good governance.
The President prayed for Akande’s good health and renewed strength as he marked the milestone birthday.
News
Lawal presents certificates to 50 Crescent varsity graduates 9 years after graduation
Gov Dauda Lawal, on Thursday presented certificates to 50 former students of the Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun, nine years after their graduation.
This is contained in a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris in Gusau, Zamfara.
The presentation took place at the Grand Chamber of the Government House, Gusau.
According to Idris, the former students, who were on the state government’s scholarship, graduated nine years ago, but could not receive their certificates due to the state government’s failure to settle their outstanding tuition fees owed the institution.
“The former students were left hanging for nine years because their tuition fees were not settled.
“The Crescent University declined to release the students’ results due to the non payment of their outstanding tuition fees.
“The state government, under Gov. Dauda Lawal, after carefully studying the case, reached out to the university and settled the outstanding tuition fees.
“Among the 50 students, is a First Class graduate in Chemistry and several Second Class Upper degree holders,” he said.
While presenting the certificates to the graduates, Lawal restated his commitment to revamping the educational sector.
Lawal also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continue to prioritise education to enhance the even development of the state.
-
Cover5 months agoNRC to reposition train services nationwide.. Kayode Opeifa
-
Fashion9 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2017
-
Opinion1 year agoBureaucratic Soldier, Kana Ibrahim heads Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace After Transformative Tenure at Defence
-
Entertainment9 years agoThe final 6 ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes might feel like a full season
-
Opinion1 year agoHon. Daniel Amos Shatters Records, Surpasses Predecessor’s Achievements in Just Two Years
-
Opinion2 months agoBarrister Somayina Chigbue, Esq: A rising legal leader shaping institutioal excellence in Nigeria
-
News6 months agoNigerian Nafisa defeats 69 Countries at UK Global Final English Competition
-
Special Report1 year agoGolden Jubilee: Celebrating Tein Jack-Rich’s Life of Purpose and Impact
