Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Kaduna State Vigilance Services (KADVS) have pledged commitment to protecting and enforcing the rights of People With Disabilities (PWD) during elections and other civic responsibilities.
The Commandant of the Kaduna State Command of the NSCDC, Lucy Fakoya, gave the pledge when he received the leadership of The All-Right Foundation known as TAF Africa advocacy visit at the Command’s headquarters.
TAF Africa earlier paid a similar advocacy visit to Kaduna State Vigilance Service (KADVS), where the agency assured of adequate protection for PWDs at the grassroots level, especially during elections and other civic responsibilities.
The Commandant noted that the PWD community is part of the society and they need the support of every other segment other society, especially the security agencies to effectively contribute their quota to the development of the society.
While narrating how the NSCDC has in the past protected the rights of People With Disabilities, the Commandant noted that the Command has a Desk Officer in charge of people with disabilities.
According to the Commandant, “We are very committed to enforcing the rights of People With Disabilities, because it is today we know, nobody knows who can become disabled tomorrow.
“While I was growing up in the barracks here in Kaduna, I witnessed how a gallant, good looking Soldier, who was of the Military Police fell off his bike while playing with his friend who was driving a truck and he had spinal cord injury. That was how he became disabled and died eight years.
“So, we are concerned about the plights of People With Disabilities. We are going to do our best to protect their rights. And based on your request, we are going to build ramp to mark the Command’s headquarters accessible to People With Disabilities,” she said.
Earlier, Corporate Services and Compliance Manager, Uche Enyioha, who led the TAF Africa’s team on the visit said the organization is working around enhancing participation of PWD in elections, particularly Local Government election in Kaduna State.
He said, TAF Africa has partnerships with Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission, but it saw the need to seek support and partnership with the Civil Defence Corps as a major agency that provides security during elections.
According to Enyioha, “We want you to support the protection of the rights of PWD during elections. We also want you to train your officers who will be engaging directly with PWDs in the field to know how to engage with PWDs.”
