Isiyaku Ahmed
The Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Jigawa State chapter, has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), calling for stronger inclusive policies and full implementation of disability laws across Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Chairman of JONAPWD, Jigawa Chapter, Hon. Adamu Sha’aibu, the Association, comprising persons with physical disabilities, the hearing and visually impaired, persons affected by leprosy, individuals with spinal cord injuries, intellectual disabilities, and persons with albinism, highlighted the significance of the annual observance held every 3 December by the United Nations.
According to the statement, the IDPD serves as a global platform to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raise awareness on the political, social, cultural, and economic issues affecting them.
This year’s theme, “Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” underscores the need to prioritise the inclusion, participation, and leadership of persons with disabilities in development efforts.
The Chairman noted that the theme also draws attention to persistent barriers such as poverty, limited access to opportunities, and gaps in employment.
He stressed that effective implementation of the Disability Law at federal and state levels remains critical in closing discrimination gaps.
Sha’aibu commended Jigawa State for its consistent policies supporting persons with disabilities since 2007, noting that the state remains a leading example in the country.
He applauded Governor Umar Namadi’s administration for recent interventions, including the increase of social security allowances from N7,000 to N10,000, expansion of beneficiaries from 150 to 200 per local government, recruitment of teachers with disabilities, strengthening of disability funds, and inclusion of vulnerable PWDs in healthcare coverage.
Sha’aibu urged stakeholders to remain committed to building an inclusive society, noting that government action is essential in the areas of enforcing disability laws, inclusive budgeting, improving accessibility to public structures, providing Braille materials and sign language interpreters, and promoting political participation.
Other priority areas highlighted include support for women and children with disabilities, disability-friendly sporting facilities, and deliberate actions to enhance inclusive education through adequate teaching and learning materials.
JONAPWD Jigawa Chapter also expressed appreciation to development partners such as Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), Save the Children International, HANDS, as well as Civil Society Organizations, Community Based Organizations, security agencies, the media, and other supporters.
The Association called on its members to remain active participants in all spheres of life, reinforcing the movement’s anthem, “Nothing About Us Without Us.”
