From: Bashir Hassan Abubakar
In an effort to enhance economic status of Vulnerable target group in Bauchi State, the State Agency for People with Disabilities (PWDs) has reached out to the World Bank Assisted, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, for collaboration aimed at including People with Disabilities (PWDs) into it's green businesses lifesaving skills programs.
The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Bauchi State Agency for PWDs, Hon. Brisca Joram Aaron made the appeal on Monday 19th August, 2024 when she led management staff of the Agency on a courtesy call to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) of ACReSAL.
In her address, Hon. Brisca Aaron said that the objective of their visit to the Bauchi State ACReSAL office was to explore areas where the Project office can lend it's assistance and support the empowerment initiatives of her Agency, aimed at improving the economic status of Bauchi PWDs.
The ES said that the visit marks a significant milestone for the Agency for PWDs which might pave the way for partnership with ACReSAL with a view to bringing succour and giving meaning to the lives of Bauchi State PWDs.
"Project Coordinator Sir, it may interest you to note that, as at last census carried by the Agency, Bauchi State has over 31,000 PWDs. I am sure this number has increased because of factors like migrations due to civil crises in our neighbouring states".
"It is also our candid belief that these numbers have increased due to the enabling environment created by State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed. The accommodating nature of Bauchi State citizens and the existence of the Agency for PWDs are other factors that contributed to influx of PWDs into Bauchi State".
"So, in an effort to give these segments of our vulnerable target groups a sense of belonging and also empower them to be self reliant, the Agency has articulated some programs aimed at improving the economic status of the PWDs", Hon. Aaron said.
The ES then commended Bauchi ACReSAL Project Unit for the giant strides it made in carrying out it's mandate especially in the areas of climate change mitigation initiatives.
Hon. Brisca particularly commnded the state project coordinator of ACReSAL, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir for his recent feat in attracting foreign partnership for Bauchi State on renewable energy, waste management, ecology, forestry management, and environmental utilization.
"The accolades showered on you by His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed at several fora speaks volumes of your drive as an environmental scientist of high repute", the ES concludes.
In his response, the state Project Coordinator ACReSAL, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir disclosed that plans have reached advanced level for establishing and renovating well equipped skill acquisition centres for PWDs across the 20 LGAs of Bauchi State in order to give the PWDs sense of belonging.
The Project Coordinator who described the initiative as one of the best projects under ACReSAL, emphasizing its potential to transform the lives of the marginalized communities in Green Businesses, promised to be committed to exploring all avenues to support these individuals.
Dr Kabir said ACReSAL project, which has already made substantial progress in combating the effects of climate change in the state, is now making additional effort towards focusing on social inclusion of the most marginalized and vulnerable in the society. This according to him, would afford them the opportunity to contribute their quota towards addressing the lingering environmental challenges such as deforestation, drought, water flooding and effects of climate change among others.
He stated that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has already welcomed the idea of establishing these dedicated centres for people with disabilities, along with having a sustainability model to ensure the longevity of this laudable initiative.
"ACReSAL project aims to be a cornerstone for reviving the livelihoods of the people with disabilities in the State, the project will also provide essential facilities and resources to help these individuals feel more included in the society. The intervention will be tailored to address different types of disabilities where no one will be left behind", said Dr. Kabir.
High point of visit was the presentation of an articulated document containing the proposed activities and programs of the State Agency for PWDs by Hon. Brisca.
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