CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Nigeria has developed and launched a Three-Year strategic plan to end the cycle of poverty and disability in the country.
The Country Director of the NGO, Ms Ekaete Umoh disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during The Country Strategic Plan(CSP) Launch & Disability Inclusion Mindset Series.
Ms Umoh who expressed worry over the prevailing poverty rate in the country, said the strategic plan would provide solutions to numerous challenges affecting persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“Today symbolizes an important landmark in the trajectory of our mission as CBM Global: fighting to end the cycle of poverty and disability, while contributing to improving the quality of life of persons with disability and the most vulnerable in the society” she stated.
She said that the Disability Inclusion Mindset Series is important because it is provides opportunity to challenge exclusion and discrimination against persons with disabilities through advocacy and policy influencing, bridging knowledge gaps,and improved engagement between OPDs and government to drive disability inclusion in Nigeria.
“The Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018, also known as Nigeria Disability Act is the primary legislation dealing with disability rights in Nigeria”.
“Although its provisions appear satisfactory, not much has been done about the implementation and enforcement of the Act” she stated.
“Knowledge around the clauses of the Disability Act is still broadly limited, hence, a continued and general disregard of disability rights in Nigeria across all strata of society” she pointed out.
Speaking further, she said “According to the Nigeria Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) UNDP report (2022), just over half of the population of Nigeria live in multidimensional poverty and 63% of Nigeria’s population are multi-dimensionally poor.
“Multidimensional poverty is worse in rural areas where about 72% are poor compared to urban areas where 42% of the people are poor. 83 million people in Nigeria live below the poverty line. 11% of the population live in the same household with at least one person with disability, with such households significantly poorer that those without any person with disability. 71% of people living in house holds with atleast one person with disability are poor, compared to 62% of people who live in a household where no one has a disability”, she informed.
She also informed that the Disability Mindset Series provides a pedestal to promote a shared understanding of disability rights issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.
“It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life”.
“The Mindset Series aims to elicit improved understanding of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, sustainable, development, goals and accessibility goals which are all pertinent to driving disability agenda in Nigeria. More so, it will support sharing of best practices on reducing inequities in the public and commercial sectors, while encouraging diversity in the workplace and disability inclusive practices”.
Speaking on the Country Strategy Plan, (COLLABO 2023-2026), she pointed out that
in furtherance of CBM global’s vision and mission, and the continuation of their service to persons with disabilities and their organizations.
“We are launching our Country Strategy Plan 2023 –2026 (CSP)titled Collaborative Actions to end the cycle of poverty and disability (COLLABO)”.
She explained that the Plan is CBM Global Nigeria’s three-year strategy to deepen sustainable impact on the lives of persons with disabilities and their organizations.
She further explained that CBM Global Nigeria is setting this new direction following its existence in implementing programs in Nigeria and having learned lessons on what works in building on and sustaining the gains so far made in the country.
“The strategy plan is our response to bridging the inequality gaps for the most vulnerable in the society, particularly promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, through strengthening of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), inclusion advisory supports, movement building, authentic partnership, strategic, stakeholders, engagement, advocacy and campaigns.
She reiterated their commitment to continue to foster partnerships (COLLABO) while solicited the continuous support for the hosting of the Disability Mindset Series multilogues and renewed commitment towards achieving our country strategy goal for the next three years.
She appreciated stakeholders present for their continued supports and collaboration in the course of bridging systemic gaps.
“We look forward to continued partnership (COLLABO) towards improving the lives of persons with disabilities and supporting them to thrive and reach full potential” she concluded.
The Executive Director, CBM global disability inclusion, David Brainbridge said the organisation would continue to suggest ideas that will enhance sustainable and developed society for persons with disabilities.
The event attracted stakeholders from different sectors, MDAs, OPDs, and the Media.
