By Mansur Danjuma Sanchi.
The Kebbi State Commission for Persons with Disability in collaboration with World Bank has conducted a sensitization workshop on Right-Based Approaches to Disability- Inclusive Development in Governance and Public Policy.
The Workshop which was supported by the World Bank brought participants from all Disability Unions, Officials from Ministries Departments and Agencies, relevant Stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations as well as Media representative as part of capacity building Workshop on Disability inclusion in all aspects of Government.
While addressing newsmen after the Workshop, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Comrade Abdullahi Usman assured readiness of the Commission to sustain the conduct of the sensitization workshop with all stakeholders as part of efforts to educate them on what Disability is all about and as well advocates inclusion of Persons with Disability in all affairs of Government.
Comrade Abdullahi who doubled as the National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPID) appreciate the Kebbi State Government under the Leadership of Comrade Dr Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) for signing into Law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disability Act 2024. He said the development will make them feel high sense of belonging and energize them to contribute their quota to the development of the State and the country at large.
The Executive Secretary informed the gathering that there is ability in every disability while calling on the general public to desist from discrimination against Persons with Disability. Comrade Abdullahi further called on all participants of the workshop to step down the knowledge learnt so that people should know what Disability is all about and how to interact with Persons with Disability.
Also Speaking, the World Bank Consultant on Disability Inclusion, Mr Adebukola Adebayo said the Bank is committed in supporting Nigerian Government and other Developing Countries in Disability inclusion in all Government programs and activities. Dr Adebukola recalled that in 2019 after the Federal Government signing of Disability Law, the Bank swing into supporting Nigerian Government to strengthen capacity of MDAs including the National Commission for Persons with Disability and stepdown to States for them to have capacity and implement Disability Law in Nigeria and States in General.
He said Kebbi was among the Six pilot states representing Northwest geopolitical zone and assured the Bank continued support to State Commissions to develop operational policies that will be used in implementing the Law.
He however called on the Commissions to develop a policy guidelines that will bring Disability inclusion in Education, Health, Transportation and many other sectors of Government.
The Consultant however called on the Government at all level to provide the needed resources in supporting Disability Commissions to realize their set objectives.
Highlight of the Workshop was the Lecture Presentations, Questions and Answers, Drama presentations, Group Work and Individual Test on what Disability is all about and how to promote Disability inclusion in all Government Sectors.
