The Bauchi State Agency for People with Disabilities has approached the World Bank Assisted Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to collaborate in enhancing the economic status of vulnerable groups within the state.
The Executive Secretary of the Agency, Mrs. Brisca Joram Aaron, led her management team on a courtesy visit to the State Project Management Unit of ACReSAL in Bauchi.
During the visit, she emphasized the need to include People with Disabilities (PWDs) in the green business lifesaving skills programs of the project.
Mrs. Aaron explained that the primary objective of their visit was to explore areas where the ACReSAL Project office could lend its support to the empowerment initiatives of her Agency.
She expressed hope that this partnership would bring much-needed relief and meaning to the lives of PWDs in Bauchi State.
Mrs. Aaron noted that the last census conducted by the Agency indicated that Bauchi State has over 31,000 PWDs. She expressed optimism that this number has likely increased due to factors such as migration caused by civil unrest in neighboring states.
In response, the Project Coordinator of ACReSAL, Dr. Ibrahim Kabir, described the initiative as one of the most promising under the ACReSAL Project. He emphasized that it has the potential to transform the lives of marginalized communities through green businesses.
Dr. Kabir assured that all avenues would be explored to support these individuals. He noted that while the ACReSAL Project has already made significant progress in combating the effects of climate change in the state, additional efforts are now being directed towards the social inclusion of the most marginalized and vulnerable members of society.
He further stated that this effort would provide an opportunity for PWDs to contribute to addressing pressing environmental challenges such as deforestation, drought, flooding, and the broader impacts of climate change.
Dr. Kabir also added that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has welcomed the idea of establishing dedicated centers for people with disabilities, along with a sustainability model to ensure the longevity of this laudable initiative.
