The Bauchi State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project has taken significant steps toward supporting and uplifting the livelihoods of people with disabilities in Green Businesses in the state.
The state Project Coordinator ACReSAL, Dr Ibrahim Kabir disclosed the plans during an interactive meeting with the State Agency for People with Disabilities, to establish well equipped skill acquisition centres and rehabilitation of the existing ones across the 20 LGAs of Bauchi State in order to give persons with disabilities a sense of belonging.
The Project Coordinator described this initiative as one of the best projects under ACReSAL, emphasizing its potential to transform the lives of the marginalized communities in Green Businesses, promised to be committed to exploring all avenues to support these individuals.
Dr Kabir said ACReSAL project, which has already made substantial progress in combating the effects of climate change in the state, is now making additional effort towards focusing inclusion of the most marginalized and vulnerable in the society, for them to contribute their quota towards addressing the lingering environmental challenges such as deforestation, drought, water flooding and effects of climate change among others.
He stated that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed has already welcomed the idea of establishing these dedicated centres for people with disabilities, along with having a sustainability model to ensure the longevity of this laudable initiative.
Dr Kabir added that ACReSAL project aims to be a cornerstone for reviving the livelihoods of the people with disabilities in the State, the project will also provide essential facilities and resources to help these individuals feel more included in the society and assured that the intervention will be tailored to address different types of disabilities where no one will be left behind and directed the SPMU officers to swing into action for a successful implementation.
In her remark, the Executive Secretary, State Agency for People with Disabilities, Mrs Brica Joram Aaron highlighted that today marks a significant milestone for the agency as it established this great partnership with Bauchi ACReSAL
Mrs Aaron said that her agency is saddled with the responsibility to cater for people with disabilities, saying Bauchi is the only state in the Northeast that has an agency for persons with disabilities and so far, has the record of thirty one thousand (31,000) people with disabilities identified across the state.
The Executive Secretary used the forum and praised the effort of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed for constantly carrying the issues of his people to heart and also appreciated the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) for its efforts in mitigating the effects of climate change as well as impacting positively in the lives of the people and urged of further collaboration.
Additionally, the agency requested for rigorous sensitization efforts and a field visit to the existing centres to ascertain the level of dilapidation for possible rehabilitation, which Bauchi ACReSAL assured to undertake such efforts.
In his comment, the SSA to the governor on ACReSAL, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Barde (Bunun Duguri) reiterate the commitments of current administration the state in uplifting the lives of people, saying the initiative underscores the inclusive nature of His Excellency, commending the symbiotic relationship of Bauchi ACReSAL and Agency for People with Disability and assured his support in making this initiative a reality.