Bauchi disability stakeholders seek commission to strengthen rights, inclusion of PWDs

Stakeholders in the disability community in Bauchi have called on the state government to establish a commission dedicated to protecting the rights and promoting the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement on the proposed Bauchi State Persons with Disabilities Commission Law, which brought together disability rights activists, legal experts, media professionals, religious leaders and community representatives.

The participants said establishing the commission would provide a stronger institutional framework for addressing the needs of PWDs and ensuring their meaningful participation in governance and other aspects of public life.

Umar said the proposed commission would help create a structured mechanism for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and promoting their participation in governance and political activities.

He also highlighted the role of the media in advancing disability inclusion, saying journalists could help educate the public, raise awareness and hold authorities accountable for implementing policies and laws affecting PWDs.

According to him, responsible reporting would also help challenge misconceptions about disability and ensure that PWDs are recognised as active participants in society rather than passive recipients of support.

Rukaiyat Othman, assistant programme manager at IFWYD, stressed that passing the legislation would only be the first step towards achieving meaningful inclusion.

“Enacting a law is only the beginning, while the real work lies in ensuring its practical enforcement,” she said.

Othman urged the government and other stakeholders to establish effective mechanisms for implementing the law once enacted, warning against a situation where disability-related legislation exists only on paper.

She also called on the media to sustain attention on disability issues, promote accountability and ensure that the rights guaranteed to PWDs are not overlooked after the proposed law is passed.

Othman further urged journalists to use respectful, accurate and non-discriminatory language when reporting disability issues, while giving PWDs greater space to tell their own stories and articulate the challenges they face.

She also advocated expanded skills training and empowerment programmes for PWDs, saying access to relevant skills would promote self-reliance, improve livelihoods and strengthen their socioeconomic participation.

The stakeholders urged the state government and relevant authorities to support the establishment of the proposed commission and ensure that PWDs are fully represented in decisions affecting their lives.

They said effective implementation of the proposed law, sustained public awareness and stronger government support would help create a more inclusive Bauchi where persons with disabilities can participate meaningfully in social, economic and political activities.

Source: The Cable