By Kate Obande-Okewu
Abuja – Mr Peter Holasek, Ambassador of Slovak Republic to Nigeria has advised Nigerian government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to invest more in providing basic needs for their citizens.
Holasek gave the advice during a courtesy visit to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters on Wednesday in Abuja.
The ambassador said that channelling resources on the needs of the citizens would boost their livelihood and ensure economic growth.
He stressed the need for Non-Governmental Organisations and wealthy Nigerians to be philanthropic and assist the less privileged in the society.
“Government and NGO’s must play an increasingly vital role in meeting the human basic needs of their citizens and rapidly responding to the lacking decent needs of Nigerians.
“Thanks to mother Teresa, whose aim was to diminish lack of basic facilities, poor health and boost quality of live and many of us are still benefiting from her benevolence’’, he said.
In his response, Dr Samuel Ankeli, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters, said the present administration had the interest of its citizens at heart.
He added that the establishment of office the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Disability Matters was part of the government’s effort to boost livelihood of the people.
Ankeli also said that creation of the office was to create awareness on the challenges and discrimination against People Living with Disabilities and how it can be addressed.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the recent launch of the National Insurance for People Living with Disabilities.
He explained that the insurance scheme was aimed at promoting access to health information and health care services.
He, however, called on Nigerians to unite and stop discrimination against people living with disabilities.
“Every home is affected by the challenges of the People Living with Disabilities and we must all work together to achieve one common goal.’’
