There are strong indications that the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs) may site its zonal headquarters in Bauchi State.
This effort is geared towards bringing the activities of the Commission closer to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) living within the North East subregion with a view to alleviating some of the hardship PWDs faced coming to Abuja.
The disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. James Lalu, when the Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities and some Directors of the Agency paid an advocacy visit to the Commission in Abuja.
Hon. James Lalu said that the Commission is aware of the efforts the Bauchi State Agency for PWDs is making in bringing succour and support to that vulnerable segment of Nigerians and also commended the Bauchi State Government and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for their relentless efforts to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
The ES then pledged the Commission’s support for the establishment of the zonal office in Bauchi State, which would further strengthen the support network for persons with disabilities in the region.
Earlier in her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities in Bauchi State, Hon. Brisca Joram Aaron, said that the primary purpose of their visit was to commend the Commission for its efforts in supporting persons with disabilities in Bauchi State.
During the visit, Hon. Brisca applauded the Commission’s ES and his management team for their innovative approach to tackling issues that affect PWDs across the country.
She said that his long and effective tenure in office as the ES of the Commission is an attestation of his hard work, dedication, commitment, God-fearing attitude, selfless service, and genuine concern for persons with disabilities.
Ms. Aron said that under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the agency has been resuscitated with a view to bringing persons with disabilities closer to the government and catering to their essential needs, such as education, healthcare, and other social services.
Hon. Brisca informed the Commission that one of the policy thrusts of the Bauchi State Government under His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is the social inclusion framework, which is in line with global best practices of good governance.
She then sought the support of the Commission for the establishment of the Zonal National Headquarters of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities office in Bauchi State.
In a related development, Hon. Brisca Jarom Aaron also paid an advocacy visit to the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, to also seek his support for the establishment of the National Disability Commission Zonal Headquarters in Bauchi State.
She said that currently, the agency is dedicated to promoting the rights, welfare, and opportunities of individuals with disabilities, fostering an inclusive society where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Ms. Aaron also informed the SSA that Bauchi, being the safest state in the North East Region and the enabling environment created by His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has all it takes to house the Commission’s Zonal Headquarters.
During the meeting, Hon. Abba ISA expressed his appreciation for the visit and pledged to collaborate closely with Bauchi State.
He acknowledged the exceptional efforts and dedication of Bauchi State’s Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, towards the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
“Governor Mohammed’s administration is notable for its exceptional support and contributions to PWDs, making Bauchi State a leader in the Northeast region of Nigeria. Currently, Bauchi State is the only state in the region with an independent agency dedicated to persons with disabilities,” said Isa.
Hon. Abba Isa then assured that the federal level would work hand in hand with Bauchi State to enhance the well-being and opportunities for PWDs, aligning with the governor’s vision and the state’s ongoing initiatives.
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