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The UN Resident Coordinator in Nigeria, Mohammed Fall, says the body is committed to promoting the inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWD) in business procurement.
Fall, represented by Vanessa Phala, UN Nigeria Operation Management Team (OMT), gave this assurance on Wednesday in Abuja at a one-day symposium with the theme “UN Procurement: Advancing Opportunities for PWD.’’
Phala also doubles as Director of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
“The symposium is organised by the procurement network at the core of the network, to ensure procurement of UN goods and services is fair, transparent and inclusive.
“Last year, a similar symposium was organised and targeted on inclusion of female entrepreneurs to equally give opportunities to women that are enterprising in business.
“This symposium is mainly focusing on PWD; to ensure we include PWD in the services and goods we want to procure on behalf of the UN.
“This is to foster collaboration with PWD; we cannot issue forms for submission of proposals when PWD do not understand rules that govern procurement of UN goods and services.
“So, the symposium further created opportunities for PWD to understand best practices and explore innovative strategies in procurement process, especially for businesses owned by PWD,” Fall said.
Olawunmi Laolu-Akande, Disability, Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) Analyst of the UN Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group, commended the event as apt in closing gaps between PWD and business world.
“As we gathered here today, we have learnt about the critical roles that procurement professionals play in shaping an inclusive and accessible business world.
“The inclusion of PWD in procurement processes will not only boost opportunities for them, but pave way for sustainable future.
“The UN inclusive procurement policy will further ensure that everyone, regardless of disabilities, has equal access to opportunities offered,” Laolu-Akande said.
On her part, Patience Ogolo-Dickson, Executive-Director, Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative, an NGO, said lack of inclusion policy that resonated with PWD procurement had hindered their business growth.
“This symposium is a milestone as far as we are concerned because it creates platform for more opportunities and businesses for PWD, particularly for women with disabilities.
“Many women with disabilities are left behind in business due to the fact that many people do not see their worth in the business space.
“So, this is a great opportunity for PWD to showcase their ability in procurement of goods and services,” Ogolo-Dickson said. (NAN)
Photo Caption: Vanessa Phala, UN Nigeria Operation Management Team (OMT) Photo credit: NAN
5th October, 2024.
C.E.
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