By Asma’u Ahmad
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Tuesday unveiled an Integrated Service Charter for women, children, elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) to protect their rights.
The Minister, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar said this in Abuja during the Midterm review meeting of the 18th regular National Council on Women Affairs and Social Development which was held in Lagos.
She said the charter would serve as an enlightenment and information communication document on the various humanitarian services.
Hajiya Aisha Abubakar
Abubakar said it would be provided by the Ministry for the protection, promotion and advancement of the rights and welfare of women, children, PWDs, the aged and other vulnerable groups across the country.
“The importance of social inclusion to the actualisation of sustainable development in our country cannot be over emphasised.
“All citizens, irrespective of age, sex, creed, status or psychological conditions should be empowered to contribute their own quota to the economic growth of our country.
“After retiring from active secular service, many of our aged citizens are still economically active, hence they should be further empowered and engaged or encouraged to continue to contribute to the economic growth of our nation,” she said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary from the Ministry, Mrs Ifeoma Anagbogu said the midterm review was an annual meeting of stakeholders in the sector to assess the status of implementation of the decision and resolutions reached at the last council’s meeting.
She said it provided a forum for experience and expertise sharing in the implementation of the decisions and addressing emerging issues concerning the sector.
Anagbogu said the meeting would provide an opportunity to brainstorm on the journey so far in the implementation of the 2018 resolutions and map out strategic action plan to address other evolving relevant policy matters.
