By: Babagana Bukar Wakil Ngala, Maiduguri
In commemoration of world Disabilities day 2021the Halmak Leadership Initiative HALI and youths Awaken Foundation in collaboration with joint Association of persons with disabilities with the support of the United Nations Mine Action Service UNMAS organised a one day workshop with theme: Leadership and participation with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post covid-19 world.
The workshop was also organised to create awareness for protection and development of persons living with disabilities in the state.
Representatives of United Nations Mine Action Service UNMAS Delecourt Gilles says threat of explosive ordinance in the northern part of Nigeria especially northeast should stopped stressing that there is need for survivors and their family to get access to services of mental health supports among other benefits.
Delecourt says they’re working to have a clear coordination among stakeholders to take care of survivors during an explosion. Stressing that they’re also conducting series programs, creating awareness especially for children, IDPs among others to avoid any object that they don’t know before.
The District Head of Kaddamari Alhaji Abba Yusuf who was also one of the stakeholders stated that international day for people living with disability is very important day that gives all survivors in society a sense of inclusiveness and make their voice heard
He advocated that when the people living with disability go to hospital there should be some dedicated staff for them that will collect their card and help them to see the see doctor in case of people with visual impairment, deaf among others. He called on the government to consider the plight of disabled people.
The executive Director, Youths Awaken Foundation Dunas Ezekiel appeals to the government and other stakeholders to give equal access of social inclusion and economic empowerment for people living with disabilities across Borno state,
Ezekel urged other humanitarian actors particularly the United Nations agencies and other international organizations and civil Society organizations to continuously and harmoniously work together to ensure that disability bill that President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law should be implemented at the state level
Speaking on behalf of other persons with disabilities Ibrahim Musa who suffers visual impairment expressed appreciation to the organizers for their efforts to support the well-being, development, protection and against discrimination of persons living with disabilities in the process of job recruitment, elections, and other social necessities.
COV/BBW
