The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) paid a courtesy visit to the Canadian High Commissioner H.E Mr. James Christoff. The CCD team was led by Mr. David Obinna Anyaele (Executive Director, CCD) and were warmly received by Andrew Webb and Grace Mieszkalski.

Mr. David did a brief introduction of CCD, he highlighted the areas where CCD had proffered effective and positive interventions that addressed issues bothering PWDs in Nigeria. He also highlighted CCD’s achievements over the years, which some of them are leading CSOs’/OPDs in securing the passage of the Lagos State Special peoples’ Law in 2011 in Lagos State, the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 and the campaign to enhance the effective participation of PWDs in party politics to mention a few.

In addition, he expressed is concern about the low percentage (approximately 1%) of international grant dedicated to addressing disability issues in Nigeria. This he said has led to little and slow rate of success achieved so far in the areas of promotion, protection and mainstreaming of issues of PWDs in governance.

CCD’s interest to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (#Goals) in Nigeria was expressed during the visit. As well the interest to partner with the Canadian Embassy to achieve these goals. To further enhance the livelihood of PWDs and Nigeria a well to increase and improve their effective and active participation in governance.

The Canadian High Commission delegate commended CCD for the remarkable work done over the years to ensuring that the promotion and protection of the rights of PWDs are beginning to gain recognition and being addressed gradually. CCD was informed of the program by the Canadian government to support development partners.