Bauchi, August 19, 2024 — In a bid to uplift the economic status of vulnerable groups in Bauchi State, the State Agency for People with Disabilities (PWDs) has taken a significant step towards fostering inclusion and empowerment. On Monday, August 19th, 2024, the agency reached out to the World Bank-assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, seeking collaboration to integrate people with disabilities into green business and lifesaving skills programs.
The initiative was spearheaded by Hon. Brisca Joram Aaron, the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Bauchi State Agency for PWDs, who led a delegation of senior management staff on a courtesy visit to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) of ACReSAL. The visit marks a potential turning point in the efforts to enhance the livelihoods of PWDs across Bauchi State.
A Call for Strategic Collaboration
During the meeting, Hon. Brisca Aaron articulated the primary objective of the visit: to explore potential areas of collaboration where the ACReSAL Project could lend its expertise and resources to the empowerment initiatives of her agency. These initiatives are specifically designed to uplift the economic status of the over 31,000 PWDs residing in Bauchi State, a number that continues to grow due to various socio-economic factors.
“The objective of our visit to the Bauchi State ACReSAL office is to explore areas where the Project office can lend its assistance and support the empowerment initiatives of our agency,” Hon. Aaron stated in her address. “We are committed to improving the economic status of Bauchi PWDs, and this collaboration could pave the way for meaningful and lasting change in their lives.”
The ES emphasized the significance of this potential partnership, noting that it could bring much-needed relief and opportunities to PWDs in Bauchi State, many of whom have been marginalized for far too long. She highlighted that the increasing number of PWDs in the state is partly due to the accommodating environment fostered by the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.
“The creation of an enabling environment by the state government, coupled with the accommodating nature of Bauchi State citizens, has led to an influx of PWDs into our state,” Hon. Aaron explained. “Our agency is determined to give these vulnerable individuals a sense of belonging and empower them to be self-reliant through various programs aimed at improving their economic status.”
Commendation of ACReSAL’s Achievements
Hon. Aaron also took the opportunity to commend the Bauchi ACReSAL Project Unit for its impressive achievements, particularly in the areas of climate change mitigation and environmental sustainability. She singled out the state project coordinator, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, for his outstanding contributions to attracting foreign partnerships that have bolstered Bauchi State’s efforts in renewable energy, waste management, ecology, forestry management, and environmental utilization.
“The accolades showered on you by His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, at various fora, speak volumes of your drive as an environmental scientist of high repute,” Hon. Aaron remarked, praising Dr. Kabir for his leadership and vision.
A Vision for Social Inclusion
In response, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir expressed his enthusiasm for the proposed collaboration and outlined ACReSAL’s commitment to enhancing the lives of PWDs in Bauchi State. He revealed that plans are already at an advanced stage to establish and renovate well-equipped skill acquisition centers for PWDs across all 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.
“These centers will be tailored to address the diverse needs of people with different types of disabilities, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Dr. Kabir said. “This initiative is one of the most impactful projects under ACReSAL, and it has the potential to transform the lives of marginalized communities by equipping them with the skills needed to engage in green businesses.”
Dr. Kabir emphasized the project’s focus on social inclusion, noting that it aligns with ACReSAL’s broader mission to combat climate change while empowering vulnerable groups. “By providing essential facilities and resources, we aim to create an environment where PWDs can contribute to addressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, drought, and flooding, all of which are exacerbated by climate change,” he explained.
He further disclosed that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has already endorsed the idea of establishing these dedicated centers for PWDs, with a sustainability model in place to ensure the longevity of this laudable initiative.
A Milestone for PWDs in Bauchi State
The high point of the visit was the formal presentation of an articulated document by Hon. Brisca Aaron, outlining the proposed activities and programs of the State Agency for PWDs. This document serves as a blueprint for the agency’s future initiatives and is expected to guide the collaboration between the agency and ACReSAL.
As Bauchi State continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, this partnership represents a significant step towards not only addressing these issues but also ensuring that PWDs are included in the solutions. The collaboration between the Bauchi State Agency for PWDs and ACReSAL promises to open new avenues for economic empowerment, social inclusion, and environmental stewardship in the state.
This initiative underscores the growing recognition of the need to integrate PWDs into all aspects of society, including the fight against climate change. With the combined efforts of the Bauchi State government, the State Agency for PWDs, and the ACReSAL Project, there is renewed hope that PWDs in Bauchi State will soon have greater opportunities to lead independent, fulfilling lives, while contributing to the sustainability of their communities.
Conclusion
The visit of the Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities to the ACReSAL Project office marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to uplift vulnerable groups in the state. The proposed collaboration holds the promise of transforming the lives of PWDs through skill acquisition and green business initiatives. As plans move forward, the partnership between these two organizations could serve as a model for other states and regions looking to enhance the economic and social inclusion of their most vulnerable citizens.
The success of this initiative will be measured not just by the number of skills imparted, but by the lasting impact it has on the lives of PWDs in Bauchi State—empowering them to overcome barriers, achieve economic independence, and contribute meaningfully to the fight against climate change.
