Gombe: USAID’s State2State Roundtable Calls for PWD-Friendly Infrastructure

By Rebecca Caleb Maina

Omar Ali Goro, a mobility-impaired activist in Gombe State, is on a mission to challenge societal biases against persons with disabilities (PWDs).

While his primary work is advocating for the rights and dignity of PWDs, Goro has taken up driving as a social experiment an adventurous means to uncover the hidden prejudices faced by mobility-impaired individuals in Nigeria.

With a specially adapted Toyota Sienna designed for PWDs, Goro often embarks on trips between Gombe and Yola. Despite his safe driving record and meticulous preparation, he faces relentless discrimination.

Passengers enter my car comfortably at first,” Goro explains.

“But the moment they realise I have a mobility impairment, their attitudes change. Some even utter degrading remarks like, ‘gurgu ne driver mu? Yana so mu ma zama gurune? (Our driver is mobility-impaired, He wants us to be disabled like him?).”

Undeterred, Goro uses these encounters to highlight the urgent need for societal change

“This is not just about me,” he says. “It’s about challenging stereotypes and showing that PWDs are equally capable and deserving of respect.”

Goro also shares stories from the community, such as that of a woman with a disability who revealed that she had never been told the words, “I love you.”

Her experience underscores the emotional isolation that many PWDs face in a society that often neglects their humanity.

These narratives took centre stage at the USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity roundtable in Gombe State, held to mark the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Themed Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future, the roundtable brought together key stakeholders to address the barriers faced by PWDs and foster inclusivity.

The Public Finance Management Specialist at the Gombe State2State office, Hassan Hamza, in an address of welcome on behalf of the Gombe State team lead,

Dr Mohammed Abubakar, stressed the importance of collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He called for unified efforts to create supportive environments where PWDs can thrive.

The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Coordinator Chabiyada Eli, advocated for a society that values PWDs for their abilities rather than defining them by their impairments.

“PWDs should not be reduced to their disabilities or subjected to dehumanising language,” she stated. “They deserve dignity, opportunities, and recognition as equals in every sphere of life,” Eli added.

The State2State Local Government Area Manager, Hajiya Zariyatu Abubakar, stressed the need for sustainability in inclusion efforts.

“We must establish sustainable structures and ensure the commitment to inclusive practices remains a priority,” she said, echoing Goro’s belief in paving the way for future generations of PWDs.

Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Dr Isiaku Adamu, appreciated the passage of the disability law in Gombe State and called for its full implementation after assent.

Dr Adamu, who is visually impaired and a lecturer at Gombe State University, praised USAID State2State for its role in promoting inclusivity, particularly in securing budget allocations for health, education, and WASH.

.

He also appreciated State2State for creating opportunities for PWDs to engage with policymakers at various forums, which he said contributed to the passage of the Gombe State disability law.

The meeting identified key issues, including the absence of sign language interpreters in healthcare and public institutions, which prevents hearing-impaired individuals from accessing essential services.

Other concerns raised included exclusion from social welfare programmes, limited financial support, isolation and loneliness, stigma, and societal exclusion leading to emotional distress and a lack of social interaction.

Participants highlighted the increased vulnerability of women with disabilities to gender-based violence (GBV), often without access to PWD-sensitive support systems.

They also noted neglect and emotional abuse experienced by many PWDs, as demonstrated in the story of the woman who had never been told, “I love you.”

Dehumanising language was another issue raised. PWDs are often addressed based on their impairments rather than as individuals, perpetuating stereotypes and marginalisation.

Inaccessible buildings were also highlighted, as many public spaces, including government offices and schools, lack ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

The event concluded with stakeholders endorsing actionable steps, including:Full enforcement of the Gombe State disability law,Allocation of resources for PWD-friendly infrastructure, representation of PWDs in decision-making processes.

Stakeholders also highlighted the vital role of the media in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of PWDs.

They pledged to amplify the voices of PWDs, champion their rights, and integrate inclusivity into Gombe State’s development agenda.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, societal attitudinal shifts, and active representation of PWDs in decision-making processes.

Empowering individuals like Baba Goro to share their experiences is crucial to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.