By: Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
Stakeholders have called for the effective implementation of the Bauchi State Persons with Disability Commission Law to ensure the protection, inclusion and meaningful 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 examine the progress, challenges and gaps in the implementation of the law, with particular attention to the role of the media.
Speaking at the event, 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 impact would depend on how effectively its provisions were translated into practical policies, programmes and services.
He said the roundtable was aimed at assessing 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.
Isma’il Umar 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.
He said responsible media reporting could highlight the challenges facing persons with disabilities, draw attention to positive developments, investigate gaps in implementation and provide platforms for persons with disabilities to share their experiences.
In her keynote address, the Assistant Head of Programmes 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.
She also challenged the media to investigate the implementation of the law, particularly funding for the newly established Commission, accessibility of public buildings and the extent to which schools and other institutions are becoming inclusive.
She urged journalists to hold government officials accountable by following up on their commitments to disability inclusion and reporting both progress and failures.