By Murtala Muhammad
United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA has called for safer, more inclusive digital and physical spaces for Persons With Disabilities.
The UNFPA Executive Director, Ms Diene Keita made the call while speaking at an event to mark this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Bauchi.
Ms Keita represented by the UNFPA’s Bauchi State Programme Officer, Ms Deborah Tabara said full inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities remained essential to building a fair and equitable world.
She stated that one in six people globally live with disabilities, noting that digital technology had helped many people expand opportunities, strengthen social networks and navigate daily activities independently.
The Executive Director warned that despite these gains, persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, still faced increased risks of discrimination and gender-based violence in physical and virtual environments.
She explained that digital tools are increasingly weaponised against PWDs through acts such as unauthorised tracking, sharing medical records, and exploiting harmful stereotypes that embolden perpetrators of digital technology violence.
The UNFPA cautioned against restricting access to technology in the name of protection, which often harms PWDs further, limiting their independence, social connections and vital support services.
Speaking, Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed assured that the present administration’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion policies to ensure no one is left behind.
Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed assured strengthening collaboration with PWDs, supporting access to assistive devices, promoting skills development and economic independence.
She assured that government’s sustained synergy with all stakeholders towards ending stereotype and discrimination against Persons With Disabilities.
The Bauchi State Chairman of the National Joint Association for Person With Disabilities, Dr. Haruna Saidu Pali, represented by his Secretary, Iliya Ismail appreciated the state government for carrying them along, however complained to the First Lady that they were shortchanged during her recent empowerment programme.
