The European Union (EU) and Christian Blind Mission (CBM) have launched a three-year disability project aimed at enhancing inclusive development and sustainability for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Delta and Benue states.
Ms. Winifred Aohu-Egbuson, the EU Delegation Programme Manager for Civil Society, Youth, and Human Rights, made the announcement on Monday in Abuja during the launch of the Disability Rights Advocacy Project for Inclusive Development (D-RAPID).
Aohu-Egbuson explained that the project would empower various stakeholders to foster inclusiveness in the society, workplace, and health sectors, among others, in the two states. She noted that the project is co-funded by the Christian Blind Mission and will be implemented in Delta and Benue states by The Abino Foundation (TAF) Africa and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund.
“For us in the EU, human rights are one of our core principles, and disability inclusion is a vital part of these rights,” Aohu-Egbuson said. “We are supporting this initiative to ensure that disability inclusion is integrated into all sectors in these states.”
The D-RAPID programme will also empower government stakeholders, such as the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDS), to integrate disability considerations into government policies and programs.
“This is a three-year programme that started on March 3 and will conclude in March 2028,” Aohu-Egbuson added. She mentioned that there are plans to sustain the programme and possibly expand it to other states based on the progress made in the pilot states.
Mr. Omoi Samuel, CBM Nigeria Country Director, emphasized that the launch was timely, as the moratorium period for implementing the National Disability law had ended. Samuel noted that while some progress had been made since the law’s passage six years ago, further efforts were needed to ensure its full implementation.
“With the support of the EU, we are optimistic that more progress will be made, especially in the pilot states, and later in other states,” Samuel said. He added that the project would raise awareness and build technical capacity to advocate for disability inclusion in government planning and policies.
Mr. Ayuba Gufwan, Executive Secretary of the NCPWDS, commended the EU and CBM for their initiative, calling it a significant step toward advocating for the inclusion of PWDs in Nigeria.
The Director of Rehabilitation, Community Welfare, and Social Development at the Delta State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mr. Micheal Odie, praised the project for enhancing ongoing efforts to ensure inclusivity in the state. He emphasized that the project would help eliminate barriers to inclusion for PWDs.
Mr. Saater Tiseer, the Minority Leader of the Benue State House of Assembly, also lauded the initiative, particularly its potential to provide technical support for government stakeholders in making disability-inclusive policies.
“It is a step in the right direction,” Tiseer said. “This project will empower PWDs in the state and motivate them to continue advocating for their inclusion in every sector.”
(NAN)