The Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities has distributed agricultural inputs and other empowerment support to 120 persons with disabilities across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas.
The intervention was announced by the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Hon. Brisca Joran Aarom, during a special distribution and empowerment meeting held at the Agency’s office in Bauchi.
The agricultural inputs were provided with the support of the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, with additional assistance facilitated through the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The initiative is aimed at empowering persons with disabilities to participate actively in agriculture, strengthen their livelihoods and achieve greater economic self-reliance.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, who served as the Special Guest of Honour, officially flagged off the distribution exercise.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Brisca expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for his continued support for the Agency and his commitment to promoting the welfare, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Bauchi State.
She said persons with disabilities had increasingly benefited from government programmes and interventions under the present administration, noting that the disability community is being considered in the implementation of major initiatives across the state.
The Executive Secretary also commended the Governor for approving permanent employment opportunities for members of the disability community, saying the development had strengthened their sense of belonging and enabled them to contribute more meaningfully to the development of the state.
She further described the Governor’s approval for the transformation of the Agency into a Commission as a major institutional milestone that would strengthen representation, inclusion and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Hon. Brisca also appreciated Senator Oluremi Tinubu for extending support to persons with disabilities in Bauchi State, while acknowledging the contributions of NGOs and development partners whose interventions complement government efforts.
She equally commended the First Lady of Bauchi State, Dr. Haj. Aishatu Bala Mohammed, Sarauniyar Bauchi, for her continued support for persons with disabilities and their inclusion in humanitarian and empowerment programmes.
Among the interventions highlighted was a scholarship opportunity facilitated by the First Lady for beneficiaries of the Agency to pursue higher education at Al-Muhibbah Foundation University.
According to Hon. Brisca, the scholarship would expand access to quality education for persons with disabilities and improve their prospects for meaningful employment and greater participation in society.
She prayed for continued blessings for individuals, government institutions, organisations and development partners supporting persons with disabilities across the state.
The Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management commended Hon. Brisca for her dedication to strengthening the Agency and ensuring that the needs of persons with disabilities receive sustained government attention.
He said the Agency had recorded progress under her leadership and encouraged members of the disability community to continue supporting and praying for the administration of Governor Bala Mohammed.
Hon. Brisca also expressed appreciation to Governor Bala Mohammed for approving the renovation of the Agency’s office, noting that work was already progressing.
She said the completion of the renovation would provide staff and beneficiaries with a more conducive, accessible and dignified environment for service delivery.
The latest intervention underscores ongoing efforts by the Bauchi State Government, development partners and other stakeholders to advance disability inclusion, economic empowerment, education and improved welfare for persons with disabilities across the state.
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