Mohammed Isa Advocates Inclusive Programs for Rural PWDs

Mohammed Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has called for the development and implementation of inclusive programs specifically designed for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) residing in rural communities across Nigeria.

Speaking at a recent event focused on disability inclusion, Isa highlighted the significant challenges faced by PWDs in rural areas, including limited access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and political participation. He emphasized the urgent need for targeted interventions that address these disparities and ensure that no one is left behind.

Isa commended the ongoing efforts of organizations working towards disability inclusion at the grassroots level, acknowledging their “tireless passion, resilience, and advocacy” as truly transformative. He stressed that focusing on local governance systems is not only innovative but essential for creating meaningful change in the lives of rural PWDs.

He further linked the proposed framework to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and Nigeria’s own 2018 Discrimination Against Persons With Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, underscoring the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR remains steadfast in his resolve to build an inclusive society where no one is left behind,” 1 Isa affirmed, offering a message of hope to the disability community.

The call for inclusive rural programs was echoed by other stakeholders at the event, who emphasized that PWDs are full citizens with equal rights to participate in every aspect of society without discrimination. There was a shared optimism that this framework would be adopted across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, paving the way for greater inclusion and empowerment of PWDs in rural communities.