Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Bauchi State are to benefit from expanded livelihood opportunities following the distribution of food items and agricultural inputs and plans for skill acquisition centres across the state.
The support is being implemented through the Bauchi State Agency for Persons With Disabilities, with assistance from government and development partners including the North East Development Commission (NEDC) and the ACReSAL Project.
Speaking during the distribution exercise, the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Bashir Adam Rishi, said the intervention was designed to strengthen the livelihoods of beneficiaries and promote self-reliance.
Rishi commended the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Hon. Brisca Joram Aaron, for her efforts in advancing programmes targeted at improving the welfare of PWDs.
He urged beneficiaries to use the food items and agricultural inputs judiciously, stressing that the support was intended to help them become economically productive.
The Commissioner also expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for supporting initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
Speaking earlier, Aaron said the agricultural inputs represented more than an empowerment intervention, describing them as evidence of the state government’s commitment to inclusive development.
She said PWDs possessed the skills, talents and potential required to contribute meaningfully to the development of Bauchi State when given the necessary opportunities and support.
Aaron identified the signing into law of the Bauchi State Commission for Persons With Disabilities Act as one of the major steps taken by the present administration to strengthen institutional support for PWDs.
She said the law upgraded the former agency to a commission and provided a stronger platform for addressing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
The Executive Secretary also commended the Bauchi State Government and ACReSAL Project for approving Skill Acquisition Centres for PWDs across the state’s 20 local government areas.
She thanked NEDC for its consistent support to PWDs, particularly through the provision of food items.
Aaron further appreciated the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Bauchi First Lady, Hajiya Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed, for including PWDs in their empowerment programmes.
She specifically acknowledged the Al-Muhibbah Foundation for securing admissions for PWDs at Al-Muhibbah Open University, expressing hope that such inclusion would be sustained.
