By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) has solicited the support of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWDs) to site its North East Zonal Headquarters of the Commission in Bauchi State.
The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Bauchi State Agency for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Ms. Brisca Joram Aaron solicited the support recently when she led the management team of the State Agency on an advocacy visit to the Commissions headquarters in Abuja.

A press statement signed by the ES and made available to newsmen in Bauchi disclosed to the management of the Commission that the primary purpose of their visit was to commend the Commission for its efforts in supporting persons with disabilities in Bauchi State.
During the visit, Hon. Brisca applauded the Commission’s Executive Secretary and his management team for their innovative approach to tackling issues that affect PWDs across the Country.
She said that his long and effective tenure in office as the ES of the Commission is an attestation of his hard work, dedication, commitment, God-fearing attitude, selfless service, and genuine concern for persons with disabilities.
Ms. Aaron then informed the leadership of the Commission that under the purposeful leadership of His Excellency, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed the State Agency has been resuscitated with a view to bringing persons with disabilities closer to the government and cater to their essential needs, such as education, healthcare, and other social services.
Hon. Brisca further said that one of the policy thrusts of the Bauchi State Government under Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is the institutionalization of its social inclusion framework which is in line with global best practices of good governance.
She then sought the support of the Commission for the establishment of the North East Zonal Headquarters of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities office in Bauchi State.
In his response the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Commission Hon. James Lalu thanked the Bauchi team for the visit and also hinted that NCPWDs may likely site its North East Zonal National Headquarters in Bauchi State.
Lalu said that the effort is geared towards bringing the activities of the Commission closer to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) living within the North East region with a view to alleviate some of the hardship PWDs faced coming to Abuja.
Hon. James Lalu said that the Commission is aware of the efforts Bauchi State Agency for PWDs is doing in bringing succour and support to that vulnerable segment of Nigerians and also commended Bauchi State Government and the Agency for Persons with Disabilities for their relentless efforts to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
The ES then pledged the Commission’s support to the establishment of the zonal office in Bauchi State, which would further strengthen the support network for persons with disabilities in the region.
In a related development, Hon. Brisca Jarom Aaron also paid an advocacy visit to the office of the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, to also seek his support for the establishment of the National Disability Commission Zonal Headquarters in Bauchi State.
She said that currently the Agency is dedicated to promoting the rights, welfare, and opportunities for individuals with disabilities, fostering an inclusive society where they can thrive and contribute meaningfully to National Development.
Ms. Aaron also informed the SSA that Bauchi, being the safest State in the North East Region and the prevailing enabling environment created by His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has all it takes to house the Commission’s Zonal Headquarters in the State.
During the meeting, Hon. Abba Isa expressed his appreciation for the visit and pledged to collaborate closely with Bauchi State.
He acknowledged the exceptional efforts and dedication of Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed towards the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
“Governor Mohammed’s administration is notable for its exceptional support and contributions to PWDs, making Bauchi State a leader in the Northeast region of Nigeria. Currently, Bauchi State is the only state in the region with an independent Agency dedicated to persons with disabilities”, said Isa.
Hon. Abba Isa then assured that the Federal Level would work hand in hand with Bauchi State to enhance the well-being and opportunities for PWDs, aligning with the Governor’s vision and the state’s ongoing initiatives.