By Lizzy Carr
The Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities has renewed its call on the State House of Assembly to expedite the passage of the Commission for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Bill.
Executive Secretary Briska Jerome made the appeal during the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities commemoration held at the agency’s headquarters.
Jerome emphasized that the Commission is crucial to establishing a strong legal and institutional framework for disability-inclusive development in the state. According to her, the bill will guarantee sustainable programmes, protect the rights of PWDs, and ensure equitable access to opportunities.
She described the annual celebration as a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a society where everyone can live with dignity, contribute meaningfully, and thrive. The event featured a road walk and a public sensitization campaign aimed at promoting awareness on accessibility, disability inclusion and the rights of PWDs.
Jerome appreciated the UNFPA, the Bauchi State First Lady, and other partners for their sustained support.
Representing the UNFPA Executive Director, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst Deborah Tabara highlighted the need to ensure the full inclusion and safety of persons with disabilities—both physically and digitally. She warned that while technology empowers millions globally, it also exposes PWDs, especially women and girls, to higher risks of digital and gender-based violence.
She noted that harmful practices—such as attaching tracking devices to mobility aids or sharing private medical information—reflect deep-seated prejudices that allow perpetrators to act unchecked. She stressed that limiting access to technology in the name of protection often worsens exclusion and reduces independence for PWDs.
UNFPA urged stakeholders to prioritize accessible safety services and ensure that PWDs, particularly women and girls, help shape policies that guide the safe use of technology. “If we are serious about leaving no one behind, we must follow the leadership and lived experiences of persons with disabilities,” the statement read.
In her remarks, the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, appealed for increased support to empower persons with disabilities and curb street begging. She donated ₦2 million through her Al-Muhibba Foundation as part of her continued commitment to improving their welfare.
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