Silas Agara Champions Inclusiveness for Persons with Disabilities

By Ibrahim Abdul

Unlike before, when persons with disabilities (PWD) suffered and were neglected by their biological families and communities due to their deformities or impairments, many were relegated to street begging.

This unfortunate situation often led to their exclusion from employment programs, resulting in unemployment rates for PWD that are double those of the general population.

However, in an unprecedented paradigm shift, the National Directorate of Employment under the leadership of Director General Silas Agara has launched the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative. This modest short-term program aims to empower 93,731 youth, women, and PWD nationwide. Silas Agara emphasized that inclusiveness is his cardinal objective, allocating 30,000 slots specifically for beneficiaries from the PWD community.

Director General Silas Agara pointed out that street begging among PWD is an age-old institution in Nigeria that requires a collective solution, as it tarnishes the nation’s image. He stressed that the government cannot effectively tackle the issue of street begging without offering viable alternatives. This is why the Directorate has reserved slots for PWD to harness their potential through vocational training and make them relevant in the labor market.

Training the unskilled PWD marks what Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, describes as an era of new beginnings. Providing useful skills enables PWD not only to seek employment but also to develop their self-confidence and become productive members of society.

This initiative signifies a critical step towards dismantling the stigma around disability, changing perceptions, and fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity.

In addition to vocational training, the Renewed Hope Employment Initiative plans to establish partnerships with private sector organizations, facilitating internships and job placements for PWD. This collaboration aims to create a robust support system that encourages employers to recognize the potential of PWD, ultimately leading to more equitable opportunities in the job market.

As the nation progresses, it is imperative that we continue to uplift all citizens and drive meaningful change for those with disabilities.

The Kaduna Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has achieved an unprecedented revenue milestone, recording a 98.79% increase in collections between January and November 2024.

The Command generated ₦28.4 billion during this period, a significant rise from the ₦14.3 billion collected in the same period of 2023.

In a press statement signed Thursday, 5 December 2024, the Command’s spokesperson, Ridwan Yusuf, on behalf of Tijjani Abe, said, “In November alone, the Command set a new record, generating over ₦4 billion—its highest-ever monthly revenue.”

The revenue was sourced from three main streams: Import Duty (₦14.1 billion), Excise Duty (₦6.2 billion), and Fees and Others (₦8 billion). Key contributors included three excise factories—Leaf Tobacco & Commodity Nigeria Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc (Kakuri and Kudenda), and Seven-Up Bottling Company—as well as the Inland Dry Port in Kakuri, Kaduna.

The Controller of the Command, Comptroller Tijjani Abe, attributed the achievement to strategic reforms and initiatives led by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

He also acknowledged the critical support of sister agencies, including the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS), in facilitating this exceptional performance.

“The Kaduna Area Command remains committed to maintaining this momentum, improving revenue collection efficiency, and fostering a trade-friendly environment within its jurisdiction,” Comptroller Abe stated.

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Governor Otti Vows To Continue to Improve on the Welfare of Abia Civil Servants, reopens Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat

“The renovation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat is another pointer to our determination to change the face of the State’s civil service by creating suitable working environment that not only supports optimal productivity but also add to the dignity of close to 1000 personnel” he said

Governor Otti who recalled that suitable office accommodations have already been provided for staff of several establishments in the civil service, disclosed that plans are in place to commence the external works and give the entire surrounding of the secretariat a new look that befits it.

“It is expected that we shall begin to see higher output levels in all the public sector establishments in the State. Truancy, lateness, leakage of government documents and other forms of indiscipline and abuses shall not be tolerated”.

“You are required to take your job more seriously going forward; be at your duty post when you should and be conscious of your professional development. I encourage you to guard against being stagnant because the world is a dynamic place”he charged the Civil Servants