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Disability Projects Initiative, No. 61 M-Cado Plaza Suit, Along Kofar Kansakali Street, Near Goron Dutse Prison, Kano (2025)

23/09/2025

DPI Commends Governor Dauda Lawal for Establishing Zamfara State Commission for Persons with Disabilities

The Disability Projects Initiative (DPI), on behalf of the disability community, heartily commends His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, for his historic and visionary step in establishing the Zamfara State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

This bold action is not only a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to social justice, inclusivity, and equal opportunity but also a legacy decision that has positioned Zamfara State as a trailblazer in disability rights in Nigeria.

What makes this milestone even more commendable is that His Excellency has ensured that the Commission’s leadership is entrusted to Persons with Disabilities themselves, thereby guaranteeing true representation of their voices, needs, and aspirations. By recognizing the unique abilities of different disability clusters, Governor Lawal has affirmed his belief that inclusion is strongest when those affected are at the heart of decision-making.

We warmly congratulate the pioneer appointees of the Commission:

Alhaji Usman Ahmed Nahuche – Executive Chairman (Deaf cluster)

Hajiya Amina B.M. Audu – Representative, Spinal Cord Injuries cluster

Tukur Abdullahi – Representative, Deaf cluster

Babangida Umar Shinkafi – Representative, Physically Challenged cluster

Umar Babangida Ahmed – Representative, Blind cluster

Binta Namadi – Representative of Women

Sani Abubakar – Member

These appointments mark a new dawn of inclusive leadership, accountability, and empowerment for Persons with Disabilities in Zamfara State.

The Disability Projects Initiative calls on other State Governments across Nigeria to emulate this laudable step by establishing Commissions for Persons with Disabilities in their respective states. This is the path toward achieving an inclusive Nigeria where no one is left behind.

Once again, we extend our deepest appreciation to Governor Dauda Lawal for his foresight, courage, and leadership in making Zamfara State a model of disability inclusion.

Signed:
Abubakar Nura Yusuf
Executive director
Disability Projects Initiative (DPI)

11/09/2025

SDG 6 and Disability ♿

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 aims to “Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All”.

Access to clean water and sanitation is a fundamental human , yet millions of people with disabilities around the world still face systemic barriers in realizing this right. Disability within SDG 6 is critical to ensuring no one is left behind.

📌 Key Linkages Between SDG 6 and Disability Inclusion:

(1) Accessibility of WASH Facilities

Many water points, toilets, and facilities are physically inaccessible to persons with (PWDs). Steps, narrow spaces, lack of ramps, inappropriate heights, and absence of handrails exclude people with mobility, visual, or other .

Inclusive design (universal design principles) is essential for equitable .

(2) Affordability and Equity

often face higher poverty levels, making it difficult to afford safe water and services. Inclusive policies must address affordability and targeted subsidies.

(3) Gender and Disability Dimensions

Women and girls with disabilities face compounded challenges, such as managing menstrual hygiene without accessible water and sanitation , exposing them to and health risks.

(4) Health and Well-being

Poor access to WASH disproportionately increases health risks for PWDs, including exposure to , diarrhea, and COVID-19. Accessible and sanitation reduces preventable illnesses and improves dignity.

(5) Participation in WASH Governance

Persons with disabilities are rarely consulted in decision-making processes, leading to solutions that exclude their needs. Inclusive ensures that PWDs have a voice in planning, design, and implementation.

(6) Data and Monitoring Gaps

Disability-disaggregated in WASH is limited. Without such data, it is difficult to track whether PWDs benefit equally from 6 initiatives.

📌 Pathways for Disability-Inclusive SDG 6 Implementation:

1. Adopt universal design standards in constructing water and sanitation .

2. Mainstream disability in WASH at local, national, and international levels.

3. Capacity building and for WASH service providers on disability rights.

4. Community engagement to ensure PWDs’ in WASH decision-making.

5. Disability-disaggregated data collection to track progress and .

6. Targeted interventions for women, children, and rural PWDs who face multiple .

✅ In essence: Disability inclusion in SDG 6 is about ensuring dignity, , independence, and in access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. Without addressing the barriers faced by PWDs, the universal goal of “Water and Sanitation for All” cannot be achieved.

Disability Not A Barrier Initiative Disability Rights Fund British Council Nigeria Sightsavers Billion-Strong Disability Rights Advocacy Center - DRAC Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria JonapwdNational Global Disability Innovation Hub Inclusive Friends Association Humanity & Inclusion US DFID Nigeria Global Goals for Sustainable Development UN Sustainable Development Platform Jobberman Nigeria KANO CIVIL Society FORUM African Clean Up Initiative - Abuja Chapter African Clean Up Initiative DRP Initiative Disability:IN Skill Acquisition Institute for People with Disabilities Kano Network of NGOs - KANET Ameenerh Queen Hamza Aminu Fagge

07/09/2025

SDG 3 and Disability ♿

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 aims to “Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-being for All at All Ages”.

The goal of SDG 3 is to guarantee universal access to quality health , reduce preventable deaths, and promote mental and physical well-being for everyone. For persons with disabilities (PWDs), this goal is particularly significant because they often face systemic barriers in accessing , rehabilitation, and wellness services.

📌 Disability and Health – The Link

1. Higher Health Risks:- Persons with often experience poorer health outcomes due to lack of timely care, inaccessible services, and poverty-related conditions.

2. Barriers to Access:- Physical barriers (inaccessible hospitals, lack of assistive devices), barriers (absence of sign language interpreters, inaccessible information), and attitudinal (discrimination and stigma in healthcare settings).

3. Financial Barriers:- PWDs are more likely to live in poverty and may not afford healthcare, medication, or .

4. Intersection with Other SDGs:- Poor health outcomes also limit (SDG 4), employment (SDG 8), and participation in society (SDG 10 & 16).

📌 Disability Inclusion in SDG 3 Targets

Some key SDG 3 targets directly relate to disability inclusion:

Target 3.4: Reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases and promote mental health and well-being – critical for who are more vulnerable to chronic illnesses and mental health challenges.

Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive services – many PWDs, especially women, are excluded from these services.

Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage (UHC), including financial protection, access to essential health-care services, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines – ensuring UHC is inclusive of PWDs is key.

Target 3.c: Substantially increase health financing and recruitment, development, training, and retention of the health workforce – training must include disability and inclusive practices.

📌 How Disability Inclusion Strengthens SDG 3

1. Inclusive Health Services:- Ensure , clinics, and pharmacies are physically accessible, provide disability-friendly services, and accommodate different needs.

2. Accessible Information:- Provide health education, awareness campaigns, and service in braille, large print, easy-to-read formats, and sign language.

3. Capacity Building for Health Workers:- Train health professionals on disability , inclusive care, and non-discrimination.

4. Assistive Technology & Rehabilitation:- Ensure to wheelchairs, hearing aids, prosthetics, therapy, and rehabilitation centers.

5. Data Disaggregation:- Collect health disaggregated by disability to monitor gaps and progress.

6. Mental Health Support:- Prioritize psychosocial support, counseling, and community-based rehabilitation .

📌 Key Message

Without disability , SDG 3 cannot be fully achieved. Ensuring persons with disabilities have equal access to healthcare and well-being services is not just a health issue but also a matter of human rights, equity, and sustainable .

___________________________________________
Global Disability Innovation Hub Disability Not A Barrier Initiative Disability Rights Fund British Council Nigeria Sightsavers JonapwdNational DRP Initiative Billion-Strong Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria Disability Rights Advocacy Center - DRAC Inclusive Friends Association Humanity & Inclusion US DFID Nigeria Global Goals for Sustainable Development Jobberman Nigeria UN Sustainable Development Platform KANO CIVIL Society FORUM Kano Network of NGOs - KANET Disability:IN International Disability Alliance Skill Acquisition Institute for People with Disabilities African Clean Up Initiative African Clean Up Initiative - Abuja Chapter

06/09/2025

DPI proudly join the world in marking World Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Day 2025.

This year’s theme, “Fall Prevention – Spinal Cord Protection”, reminds us that many spinal cord injuries can be avoided when society takes responsibility for safety. From designing accessible spaces to raising community awareness, prevention must be a collective effort.

At Disability Projects Initiative (DPI), we celebrate the strength of SCI survivors, salute the dedication of caregivers, and reaffirm our commitment to advocacy, inclusion, and preventive action. Together, we can build safer communities where fewer lives are disrupted by avoidable injuries.

Let us work hand in hand—educating, innovating, and promoting accessibility—to ensure that prevention truly becomes cure.

30/08/2025

SDG 11 and Disability ♿

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 aims to “Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable”.

📌 Relation to Disability Inclusion:

SDG 11 directly speaks to the rights and needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), as it emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility in urban planning, infrastructure, and community development. For cities and to be sustainable, they must be designed to accommodate the needs of all people, including those with physical, sensory, intellectual, and psychosocial .

Key linkages include:

1. Accessible Infrastructure and Public Spaces:
Ensuring that buildings, roads, transport systems, and public are designed according to universal design principles.

Removing physical barriers that prevent PWDs from participating fully in social, cultural, political, and economic .

2. Inclusive Transport Systems:
Developing affordable and accessible public transportation so that can move freely, independently, and safely.

3. Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience:
Protecting PWDs during , disasters, and climate-related risks by making evacuation plans, shelters, and early warning systems inclusive.

4. Affordable and Accessible Housing:
Promoting housing that ensure PWDs have access to safe, affordable, and accessible homes.

5. Community Participation:
Strengthening the involvement of PWDs in local governance, urban planning, and decision-making to ensure their perspectives are considered.

6. Reducing Inequalities in Urban Development:
Addressing and systemic exclusion that push PWDs into informal settlements or unsafe living conditions.

📌 Why Disability Inclusion Matters for SDG 11

More than 1 billion people globally live with some form of disability, and many are disproportionately affected by inaccessible infrastructure, unsafe housing, and from decision-making.

Without disability , cities cannot truly be “inclusive” or “sustainable,” as a significant portion of the population is left behind.

✅ In summary:
SDG 11 and disability inclusion are inseparable. To achieve sustainable cities and communities, governments and stakeholders must ensure universal , inclusive urban planning, disability-friendly housing, , and disaster response systems.

🌍 Key Advocacy Messages:

1. Cities cannot be if they are not accessible to Persons with Disabilities.

2. Inclusive urban planning means universal for all.

3. Disability-friendly transport, housing, and public are essential for equality.

4. Persons with Disabilities must be part of decision-making in city .

5. Resilient cities protect everyone, especially PWDs, during .

6. Accessibility is not charity — it is a human and a pathway to sustainable development.

_______________________________________________
Global Disability Innovation Hub Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) British Council Disability Rights Advocacy Center - DRAC Disability Rights Fund British Council Nigeria JonapwdNational Sightsavers Disability Not A Barrier Initiative Billion-Strong Disability Rights Protection Initiative - DRP Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria Kano Network of NGOs - KANET Inclusive Friends Association Humanity & Inclusion US Global Goals for Sustainable Development UN Sustainable Development Platform UN SDG Action Campaign Hamza Aminu Fagge Ameenerh Queen Ministry of Works & Infrastructure Kano State Disability:IN DFID Nigeria Inclusive News Network International Disability Alliance Jonapwd Jonapwd Jobberman Nigeria KANO CIVIL Society FORUM

28/08/2025

SDG 13 and Disability ♿

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action aims to "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts."

This goal calls for strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards, integrating climate measures into national policies, and improving , awareness, and institutional capacity on climate change and adaptation.

📌 How SDG 13 Relates to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)?

1. Disproportionate Impact

Climate change disproportionately affects Persons with Disabilities. During floods, heatwaves, droughts, and natural , PWDs often face:

a. Barriers to mobility and evacuation

b. Limited access to shelters and relief services

c. Communication gaps in early warning systems

2. Exclusion from Climate Planning

PWDs are rarely included in the design and implementation of climate policies or risk reduction (DRR) strategies, despite being one of the most vulnerable groups.

3. Inaccessible Infrastructure

Emergency response systems, shelters, and transportation are often not accessible to people with physical, visual, hearing, or cognitive .

4. Multiple Vulnerabilities

PWDs often experience poverty, social exclusion, and health challenges, which compound their to climate-related hazards.

📌 What Needs to Be Done:

1. Inclusive Climate Policies

Ensure all climate adaptation and mitigation explicitly include and address the needs of PWDs.

2. Accessible Early Warning Systems

Disseminate alerts in accessible formats sign language, , plain language, audio, and visual cues.

3. Engagement in Decision-Making

Involve of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in climate policy planning, budgeting, and implementation.

4. Inclusive Emergency Services

Equip response teams and facilities to support before, during, and after climate emergencies.

5. Disaggregated Data Collection

Collect and use disability-disaggregated data to plan effective, inclusive interventions.

Therefore, SDG 13 and are deeply connected.

Without inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in climate action, we risk leaving behind millions. Disability-inclusive climate strategies are essential for building resilience, protecting human , and achieving sustainable development for all.

Let's advocate for inclusive climate action.

_______________________________________________
Global Goals for Sustainable Development UN Sustainable Development Platform Disability Rights Fund Disability Not A Barrier Initiative Disability Rights Advocacy Center - DRAC Sightsavers Disability Rights Protection Initiative - DRP Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria Global Disability Innovation Hub Disability Rights Florida Skill Acquisition Institute for People with Disabilities Disability:IN British Council Nigeria Billion-Strong British Council JonapwdNational Humanity & Inclusion US Kano Network of NGOs - KANET Inclusive Friends Association International Disability Alliance Inclusive News Network UN SDG Action Campaign Hamza Aminu Fagge Ameenerh Queen Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative AWWDI United Nations United Nations Development Programme - UNDP

22/08/2025

SDG 8 and Disability ♿

The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 aims to “Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.”

📌 Relation to Disability Inclusion

1. Access to Employment Opportunities

a. Persons with (PWDs) are often excluded from the labor market due to discrimination, inaccessible workplaces, and lack of skills development opportunities.

b. SDG 8 explicitly emphasizes “full and productive employment and decent for all women and men, including young people and persons with disabilities” (Target 8.5).

c. Disability ensures that PWDs can access training, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities on equal terms.

2. Eliminating Discrimination

a. Target 8.5 and 8.8 call for equal pay for work of equal value and the protection of labor .

b. For , this means tackling barriers such as wage gaps, workplace stigma, and unsafe or non-adaptive working conditions.

3. Skills Development & Economic Empowerment

a. Target 8.6 focuses on reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, , or training.

b. PWDs, especially youth and women with disabilities, often face limited to vocational and professional training. Inclusive policies can bridge this gap.

4. Inclusive Growth

a. Persons with disabilities contribute significantly to growth when given equal opportunities.

b. Promoting and providing access to microfinance for PWDs aligns with Target 8.3 (supporting productive activities and decent job creation).

5. Social Protection & Decent Work Conditions

a. Target 8.8 highlights safe and secure working for all workers, including migrant workers, women, and persons with disabilities.

b. Disability inclusion means creating that are physically accessible, socially inclusive, and adaptable to different needs.

📌 Why Disability Inclusion is Key for SDG 8

I. Without including PWDs, SDG 8 cannot be fully achieved since over 1 billion people worldwide live with disabilities (15% of the global ).

II. Disability-inclusive employment reduces poverty (SDG 1), tackles (SDG 10), and drives inclusive economic growth.

III. It shifts PWDs from dependency to active contributors in the economy.

✅ In summary:
SDG 8 and disability inclusion are inseparable. Achieving decent work and economic requires dismantling barriers that exclude persons with disabilities from , ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering inclusive economic systems.

“We demand because and is the only way to achieve .”

Disability Rights Fund Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Inclusive Friends Association National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria JonapwdNational Disability:IN Disability Rights Advocacy Center - DRAC Global Disability Innovation Hub Disability Not A Barrier Initiative Disability Rights Protection Initiative - DRP Disability Rights Fund - Nigeria Disability Rights Florida Skill Acquisition Institute for People with Disabilities Ministry of Works & Infrastructure Kano State Billion-Strong British Council British Council Nigeria Ameenerh Queen Hamza Aminu Fagge Humanity & Inclusion US Kano Network of NGOs - KANET Sightsavers Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) Jobberman Nigeria

14/08/2025

Design for Disability Inclusion and Accessibility ♿

When you design for disability, you design for everyone. Accessibility is not an option — it is a necessity. Let’s build a world 🌎 where no one is left behind.

Disability Rights Fund Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Global Disability Innovation Hub National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria Disability Rights Protection Initiative - DRP Disability Not A Barrier Initiative Disability Rights Advocacy Center - DRAC Disability:IN DFID Nigeria Disability Advocacy Sightsavers British Council British Council Nigeria Billion-Strong Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) Ameenerh Queen JonapwdNational Kano Network of NGOs - KANET

12/08/2025

International Youth Day 2025
Theme: Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond

On this International Youth Day, the Disability Projects Initiative (DPI) joins the global community in celebrating the energy, creativity, and resilience of young people—particularly youth with disabilities—whose contributions continue to inspire positive change and shape a more inclusive society.

At DPI, we uphold the belief that disability is not a limitation but a source of strength, innovation, and unique perspectives that can drive progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and beyond. However, we also acknowledge the disproportionate barriers that young persons with disabilities continue to face—ranging from limited access to quality education and employment, to exclusion from leadership spaces and decision-making processes.

In alignment with this year’s theme, we issue a call to action:

Empower youth with disabilities through targeted skills development, mentorship, and the creation of accessible opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Advocate for and implement inclusive policies that safeguard their rights and guarantee their full participation in all sectors of society.

Foster collaboration among communities, institutions, and policymakers to dismantle physical, social, and attitudinal barriers that hinder inclusion.

We further call upon youth with disabilities themselves to take active leadership in advancing the SDGs—by engaging in community initiatives, championing accessibility, and using their voices to influence policies that shape their futures.

DPI reaffirms its commitment to building platforms that enable youth with disabilities to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to national and global development. We envision a future where every young person—regardless of ability—has the tools, opportunities, and confidence to realise their full potential.

Today and every day, we stand with youth, for youth, and by youth. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities, ensuring that inclusion is not an afterthought, but the very foundation of sustainable development.

Signed:
Abubakar Nura Yusuf
Executive director
Disability Projects Initiative (DPI)

11/08/2025

Today, we had the honour of welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Kano State Ministry of Works, sent by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, to the office of the Disability Projects Initiative (DPI).

We extend our deepest and most heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to promoting inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities. We also sincerely thank the highly dedicated team from the Ministry of Works for their time, expertise, and genuine interest in our work.

The meeting was not only productive but also deeply engaging. We enjoyed sharing the vision, mission, and achievements of DPI, while exchanging ideas on key areas that can transform Kano State into a more inclusive society. Among the major highlights of our discussions were:

Ensuring accessibility in the design and construction of all public and private buildings.

Provision of ramps and other mobility aids in public facilities.

Incorporating accessibility features in pedestrian flyovers to make them safe and usable for all, including persons with disabilities.

Strengthening universal design standards so that engineers and building designers always integrate accessibility considerations from the planning stage.

We are truly inspired by the commitment shown by the Governor’s team and the Ministry’s engineers to make accessibility a non-negotiable feature in future infrastructure projects. This visit has reinforced our shared resolve to build a Kano State where no one is left behind.
Abba Kabir Yusuf
Ministry of Works & Infrastructure Kano State

14/07/2025

A LONE KID:

Most children are lonely no matter how many people are around them, so long as there is no one listening to them. They feel isolated, unheard, and not catching up with things around them.

Don't you see? Even when it comes to school, getting married, and things like that, the deaf child is slowly moving, unlike their normal peers. You will see their juniors complete their educational journey too early for them, get married, and have kids. Some will even make it in life better and faster than the deaf sibling.

Do you know why? The answer is because the mostly live in an , not , world. Their thinking and way of doing things differ—the reverse is the case for some, while it is even worse for others. Yet the family of such persons doesn't mind figuring out what is supposed to be done too early, or they are ignoring the fact that they can do something to help their child.

Please, do what is necessary for your child, not when it's late.

Note this: I myself am deaf, and I'm happy being who I am. I have a dream, a goal, and lots of wishes that I want to grab in real life—but how? I must work out for it, and I must lean on someone unbreakable, and that is Allah the Almighty. Humans change. Humans are mortal. They are cruel and full of themselves—there are still good ones at every corner of the world regardless of place.

Auwalu Ismaila Salisu Ismail
Research officer 2
Disability Projects Initiative.

13/07/2025

"To the People of Nigeria,

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Nigerians and family of His Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), the former president of Nigeria on his recent passing away.

During his tenure as President of Nigeria, General Buhari made significant contributions to the nation's development, particularly in the area of rights. The signing into of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 stands out as a landmark achievement, demonstrating his commitment to and social . The establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities- NCPWD, Nigeria further underscored his dedication to empowering and protecting the of persons with .

As he rests in peace, we pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal peace. We wish him a safe journey to the hereafter.

May Allah grant him Aljannah Firdausi.

Disability Projects Initiative

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