Segun Adewale in Bauchi
Bauchi State Government supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has inaugurated a 37- member Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group (DITWG) towards promoting disability inclusion, first of its kind in Northern Nigeria.
The initiative which aims to promote equity, inclusion, and human rights for persons with disabilities, is the first of its kind in Northern Nigeria, making Bauchi a pioneer in disability inclusion efforts.
In a keynote address delivered during the inauguration ceremony held on Monday, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, Muriel Mafiko, “It is a great honour to deliver these remarks on behalf of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at this important occasion — the inauguration of the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group.”
“Today’s inauguration marks a significant milestone in our shared commitment to advancing inclusion, equity, and human rights for all persons with disabilities in Nigeria. It demonstrates our collective resolve to ensure that no one is left behind, especially persons with disabilities, who too often face barriers to participation, access, and opportunity.”She said
Represented by Disability and Diversity Inclusion Analyst, Olawunmi Laolu Akande, She explained that UNFPA recognizes that disability inclusion is central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the promise of the 2030 Agenda,adding that it is not an act of charity, but a matter of human rights, development, and justice.
“The establishment of this Technical Working Group is therefore timely — it provides a platform for coordination, collaboration, and shared accountability to make disability inclusion a lived reality across all sectors,” She said
According to her, “As the United Nations agency mandated to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled, UNFPA is deeply committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities — especially women, girls, and young people — have equal access to sexual and reproductive health information and services, education, and opportunities to participate meaningfully in decision-making.”
“We are particularly encouraged that this Technical Working Group will foster stronger partnerships among government, UN agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), and civil society. Together, we can strengthen policies, systems, and practices that uphold accessibility, inclusion, and dignity for all.”
“UNFPA stands ready to support this Working Group through evidence generation, capacity building, inclusive programming, and technical assistance. We are confident that, through this collective effort, we will move from commitment to concrete action — ensuring that disability inclusion is not only mainstreamed but also institutionalized in all development and humanitarian initiatives.”
“On behalf of UNFPA, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group. We look forward to working closely with you to build a truly inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
In her opening remarks, Executive Chairperson of Bauchi State Agency for People with Disability, Mrs Brisca Jerome Aaron, reaffirmed commitment towards ensuring inclusive governance for Persons With Disabilities.
She stated that the Agency was established by the State considering the need to include people with disabilities in the art of governance.
Brisca Aaron also stated that the present administration in the state, would continue to support individuals with special needs, pledged government’s resolve to ensure equity, dignity, and creating opportunities for all citizens.
The Executive Chairperson also stated that the Agency has made significant progress in reviewing the state’s disability law to address emerging issues affecting the community.
Brisca stated that the State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed spearheaded the establishment of the Agency through the act of the State Assembly which he did not hesitate to sign into law.
She commended the UNFPA for supporting the State through the agency in ensuring that PWDs have a say in governance through the various interventions
In his goodwill message, the Speaker of Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abubakar Y Sulaiman, announced that a bill to establish a Commission for Persons with Disability has passed second reading.
Represented by Hon Habibu Umar, Abubakar Sulaiman, assured persons with disabilities in the State, that their rights as citizens will be protected adding that the present administration is inclusive minded in the art of governance.
Also speaking, Mr Abubakar Sambo, an official of the Bauchi State Agency for Disabled Persons, said that the objectives of the group was to promote, coordinate and collaborate through a multi-sectoral approach to disability inclusion by bringing together relevant stakeholders and Organizations of People with Disabilities.
He also explained that the group would provide technical support and expertise in areas such as inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, health services, and disability-inclusive employment practices.
Sambo further emphasized on monitoring and reviewing policies and programmes in Bauchi State to ensure alignment with international standards and best practices.
The main objectives of the DITWG include the promotion, coordination and collaboration as well as ensuring a well coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to disability inclusion by bringing together relevant stakeholders and OPDs while aligning efforts towards common goals.
It is to provide technical support and expertise by offering assistance in areas such as, but not limited to inclusive education, accessible infrastructure, health services, and disability inclusive employment practices as well as monitoring, evaluate and review when required, the policies and programming in Bauchi State to ensure that they are effective and aligned with international standards and best practices.
