CBM Global Moves To Protect Rights Of Persons With Disability

CBM Global Disability Inclusion Nigeria has launched its Country Strategy Plan (CSP) to promote and protect rights of persons with disability in Nigeria.

The launch which took place in Abuja last week was aimed at broadening stakeholders’ understanding of the strategic direction of CBM Global Nigeria, its goal, objectives and result areas, and also attract improved understanding of the UNCRPD, SDGs, Accessibility GO and pertinence to driving the disability agenda in Nigeria.

The plan seeks to respond to existing gaps in the country that negate the rights of persons with disabilities, hindering their ability to achieve their full potential in life.

Speaking at the event, the country director of CBM Global Nigeria, Ms. Ekaete Umoh, in her opening remarks, expressed delight on the launch.

She invited stakeholders to join efforts through collaborative actions to end the cycle of poverty and disability in Nigeria through the three-year framework.

Ekaete said Nigeria since independence had faced huge challenges that have affected its growth and development. “Despite abundance in mineral and human resources, the country has been unable to translate its potential and opportunities into inclusive growth.

“It is true that persons with disabilities are mostly affected and constitute majority of Nigeria’s poor.  Data from the National Population Commission puts the total number of persons with disabilities in Nigeria at an estimated 19 million, and this puts the percentage of people with disabilities at 9.6 per cent approximately.

“Now more than ever before, the importance of this CSP launch is timely and comes at a critical juncture in the life of the organization where it has an opportunity to present itself as an effective gateway through which persons with disabilities can be mobilized and reached with programs, projects and services,” she said.

Chief executive officer of CBM UK, Kirsty Smith, who was represented by the program coordinator at CBM UK, Frank Abu, expressed delight with the launch, and commended CBM Global Nigeria and stakeholders for their collaboration.

“It is important to highlight that CBM UK, is one of the 6-member association of CBM Global Disability Inclusion Federation tasked with working alongside people with disabilities in the world’s poorest places to transform lives and build inclusive communities where everyone can enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential through our vision of an inclusive world in which all people with disabilities enjoy their human rights and achieve their full potential,” he said.