The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to advance disability inclusion in Kaduna State.
The call was made during a workshop organised by UNFPA for members of the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group on Wednesday in Kaduna.
Speaking at the closing of the two-day event, UNFPA Disability Diversity and Inclusion Analyst, Mrs Wunmi Laolu-Akande, said that the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration among stakeholders working on disability inclusion.
Laolu-Akande explained that although the Disability Inclusion Technical Working Group was inaugurated in 2025, gaps still existed in coordination and collaboration among members.
According to her, UNFPA is supporting the group to develop clear terms of reference, define responsibilities and promote coordinated efforts that will prevent duplication of activities.
Laolu-Akande said that the meeting also provided an opportunity to map interventions being implemented by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities and development partners.
She noted that the exercise would ensure stakeholders remained on the same page in efforts to promote disability inclusion across the state.
The UNFPA official said that the technical working group comprises representatives of MDAs, development partners, stakeholders and organisations of persons with disabilities.
Also speaking, Mr Abubakar Adam, Vice Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Kaduna State Chapter, said that persons with disabilities have received recognition from the Kaduna State Government.
Adam noted that the establishment of the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board demonstrates government commitment to addressing issues affecting persons with disabilities.
He, however, stressed the need for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in policymaking, implementation, monitoring and other areas of governance.
He said that in spite of the existence of disability-related laws, implementation remained a challenge, particularly regarding provisions aimed at increasing participation of persons with disabilities.
According to him, accessibility remains a major concern as many public buildings, schools and hospitals are yet to provide facilities that accommodate persons with disabilities.
He acknowledged the contributions of development partners and organisations that had supported the provision of assistive devices, ramps and other disability-friendly facilities in the state.
Adam also commended efforts to train health workers on how to effectively respond to the needs of persons with disabilities.
He called on more development partners and non-governmental organisations to support disability inclusion initiatives in the state.
He expressed confidence that UNFPA’s support would strengthen monitoring, evaluation and follow-up on policies and programmes designed to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
(NAN)
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