Stakeholders demand effective implementation of Bauchi Disability Commission Law.

By Rabiu Ishaq Muhammad:

Stakeholders have called for the effective implementation of the Bauchi State Persons with Disability Commission Law to ensure the protection, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in the development of the state.

The call was made at a roundtable discussion organised by Ikra Foundation for Women and Youth Development in collaboration with the Government of Canada to provide stakeholders, particularly media practitioners, with an opportunity to examine the progress, challenges and gaps in the implementation of the law.

Speaking at the occasion, the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation of Ikra Foundation, Isma’il Umar, said the enactment of the law was only the beginning, stressing that its real impact would depend on how effectively its provisions were translated into practical policies, programmes and services.

He said the roundtable was aimed at assessing the progress made so far, identifying existing structures and mechanisms, examining challenges affecting implementation and determining the extent to which persons with disabilities were involved in decisions concerning their welfare and development.

He emphasised the important role of the media in promoting awareness and accountability, describing journalists as key partners in educating the public about the rights of persons with disabilities and the responsibilities of government and other stakeholders.

According to him, responsible media reporting could draw attention to challenges confronting persons with disabilities, highlight positive developments, investigate implementation gaps and provide platforms for persons with disabilities to share their experiences.

Isma’il Umar also expressed optimism that the outcome of the roundtable would contribute to greater public awareness, stronger accountability and improved implementation of the Bauchi State Persons with Disability Commission Law.

In her keynote address, the Assistant Head of Programme of the Foundation, Rukayya Bilyamin Othman, urged journalists to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities by giving them opportunities to speak for themselves and share their experiences, rather than reporting about them without their participation.

The Ikra Foundation official also challenged the media to investigate the implementation of the law, particularly funding allocated to the newly established Commission, accessibility of public buildings and the extent to which schools and other institutions were becoming inclusive.

Rukayya Bilyamin also encouraged journalists to hold government officials accountable for promises made on disability inclusion by following up on their commitments and reporting progress or failures.