• Calls for appointment of people with disabilities into govts

The Muslim Association of Visually Impaired of Nigeria (MAVIN) has felicitated with Muslim faithful worldwide on the occasion of the Eld-Ul-Fitri, which signifies the end to 29 or 30 days of Ramadan fasting.

A statement by the National Amir of the association, Alhaji Abdul-Wasiu Salaudeen urged well-meaning Nigerians to remember those who are in dire need of support, especially the less privileged.

He said that Ramadan teaches the faithful to extend their hands of fellowship to their neighbours by providing them with things they need to celebrate in a joyous mood, hence the need for the people to show love, affection and support to those who are less privileged in the society.

Salaudeen said the holy month has provided opportunities for the faithful to seek God’s favour, praying to Almighty God to accept worship, sacrifice, and charity as an act of Ibadah.

While congratulating those who won in the just concluded general elections, Alhaji Salaudeen called on the government at all levels to include people living with disabilities in key positions and appoint them to their cabinet to ensure inclusive governance.

He said: “We thank Almighty God for the peaceful conduct of the 2023 general elections. We thank Nigerians for exhibiting a sense of maturity and perseverance during and after the conduct of the election.

“We hope that those who were elected into the position of authority from members of States Assembly’s, House of Representatives, Senate, Governors, and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu include persons living with disabilities in their cabinets.”

MAVIN national Amir said the association would be a lot happier if the government at all levels gave priority attention to people living with disabilities by giving at least 10 per cent slots to them.

He suggested that bills should be sponsored to give a legal backing to the percentage slot, adding that such would ensure equity, fairness and justice for people with disability.