Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has directed the National Broadcasting Commission to implement the Broadcasting Code provision that mandates television stations to deploy sign language interpreters on their major news bulletin, for the benefit of persons living with disability.
The Minister disclosed this on Monday when he received executives of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities in Abuja.
“I have also directed, within my ministry most importantly, the issue of television stations having sign language interpreters and by tomorrow, I can assure you that a directive will go out to television stations pointing their attention to the relevant provisions of the Broadcasting Code. I am sure that in a few weeks’ time, you will begin to see the difference,” Lai Mohammed said.
The Minister added that the Ministry would work with the Centre in the implementation of Section Two of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disability (Prohibition) Act to promote awareness regarding the rights, respect and dignity of persons with disabilities.
Mohammed cited President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to persons living with disability with the signing of the Discrimination Against Persons With Disability (Prohibition) Act into law and operationalizing it through the establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disability.
The Executive Director of the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele called on government ministries, departments and agencies to comply with the Discrimination Against Persons With Disability (Prohibition) Act and urged them to reserve at least 5% of employment opportunities for persons living with disability.
Recall that President Buhari assented to the Disability Bill and also inaugurated a National Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
