TheCable

Osita Izunaso, the senator representing Imo west senatorial district, has commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the instrument for the ratification of the African Union (AU) charter.

The instrument will promote the rights of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria.

The senator, who is also the chairman, senate committee on capital market, appreciated the president during the recently concluded 18th anniversary celebration of the foundation for PWDs which held in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

On October 19, Tinubu signed the instrument for the ratification of the protocol.

The instrument was adopted by the 30th ordinary session of the AU assembly in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on January 29, 2018.

The charter states that PWDs shall have rights to equality, non-discrimination, and equal recognition before the law, among other benefits.

Izunaso expressed satisfaction with the turnout and conduct of PWDs at the event, adding that Nigeria has come a long way in matters pertaining to PWDs.

He said Nigeria has been a signatory to the United Nations (UN) convention for PWDs since 2006.

Izunaso said 20 of the 36 states in Nigeria have domesticated the Disability Act and that Imo formally joined the states that domesticated the Act establishing the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).