Borno PWDs Seek Inclusion In Governance

Persons Living With Disabilities ( PWDs ) in Borno State yesterday renewed calls for greater inclusion in key government decision making positions, saying their exclusion continued to limit effective representation and hinder policies that directly impact their lives.

They urged the Borno State government to appoint persons with disabilities into strategic offices where they can influence planning, budgeting and programme execution.

Speaking to our correspondent in Maiduguri, Wayuta, the executive director Sound Abilities for Vulnerable Women Initiative in Nigeria, said she wanted persons with disabilities to be appointed in key decision making positions so that they can speak on behalf of PWDs in the state.

“Most times decisions are taken on our behalf without us there. We want to be part of decision making. We want to be part of planning. We want to be part of everything up to the time of implementation.

“Our inclusion is not charity but a constitutional right. We want to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state,” Wayuta said.

Mohammed Abubakar, another PWD, lamented non-appointment of their members as advisers in the government, and lack of PWD-friendly buildings, latrines and signages across structures in the state.

“ We are appealing to the government not to leave us behind in decision-making. We should be included in the governance so that it will not only promote the lives of PWDs, but also contribute to broader development and social cohesion,” Abubakar said.