– Media, Government, and Society Urged to Drive Inclusion Forward
In a powerful call to action, the President of the Albinism Association of Nigeria (AAN), Dr. Bisi Bamishe, has urged governments at all levels to walk the talk on disability inclusion by ensuring full and timely implementation of the far-reaching commitments made at the 2025 Global Disability Summit (GDS), recently held in Germany.
Dr. Bamishe made this passionate appeal while addressing journalists during a one-day media roundtable held in Kano State, organized by the Albinism Association of Nigeria with support from the Disability Rights Fund (DRF). The event brought together key media stakeholders, advocates, and disability rights champions to discuss the way forward for Nigeria’s disability inclusion agenda.
“It’s time for the promises made on global platforms to translate into real-life impact for persons with disabilities in Nigeria. We cannot afford to keep leaving PWDs behind,” Dr. Bamishe stated emphatically.
The 2025 Global Disability Summit, which drew participation from world leaders, policymakers, and representatives of organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), including Nigeria, concluded with bold commitments to transform the landscape of disability inclusion globally.
According to Dr. Bamishe, these commitments cut across several critical sectors including:
- Inclusive employment
- Accessible and equitable education
- Health equity
- Inclusive humanitarian response and climate action
- Accessible infrastructure and transportation
- Adequate and targeted financing for disability inclusion
She emphasized that while these commitments are laudable, implementation is the key, noting that the journey from policy promises to practice is often the biggest stumbling block in Nigeria and across much of the Global South.
“The media must become a watchdog and a megaphone for disability rights,” Dr. Bamishe urged. “Let us track and report progress—or lack thereof—on these commitments. Let us create a media movement that ensures that persons with albinism and all persons with disabilities are not only seen and heard, but are prioritized in Nigeria’s development plans.”
She stressed the role of the media in reshaping public perceptions, challenging harmful norms, and pushing for accountability from duty bearers. She called for consistent reporting on disability issues, inclusive language, and the amplification of voices from within the disability community.
The roundtable also had a special opening by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, who made a major announcement that signals hope for the PWD community in the state.
“The Kano State Government is committed to disability inclusion, and we are already working on establishing a dedicated Disability Commission,” Waiya revealed.
According to the Commissioner, the proposed commission will be responsible for coordinating disability-related policies, driving advocacy, and enforcing the provisions of the state’s disability law. It will also play a pivotal role in ensuring that the rights and welfare of PWDs are not just protected on paper but reflected in everyday governance and service delivery.
Waiya reassured participants that once the legislative process is completed, the commission will serve as a model for other states, demonstrating that inclusive governance is not just possible but necessary.
The media roundtable concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and urgency, as participants committed to strengthening media advocacy for disability rights and holding government accountable to their promises on the international stage.
As Nigeria looks to domesticate the outcomes of the 2025 Global Disability Summit, voices like that of Dr. Bamishe and platforms like the AAN-DRF roundtable are crucial in ensuring that disability inclusion moves from rhetoric to reality. With a robust media movement and responsive governance, there is hope that the future will be one where no Nigerian is left behind, regardless of ability.
