By Rebecca Caleb Maina
Omar Ali Goro is a mobility-impaired activist and public transport driver in Gombe State. He had jettisoned the thought of begging and embarked on a mission to challenge societal barriers, stigmatisation and marginalisation against persons with disabilities (PWDs).
As a person living with disabilities and a driver, Goro primarily advocates for the rights and dignity of PWDs. He has taken up driving as a social experiment and an adventurous means to uncover the hidden prejudices faced by mobility-impaired individuals in Nigeria.
With a specially adapted Toyota Sienna designed for PWDs, Goro often journeys between Gombe and Yola. Despite his strong determination to stay afloat his challenges, he must contend with daily societal discrimination.
Speaking about the stereotype he experiences daily: “Passengers who boarded my car normally do so comfortably at first, but the moment they realise I have a mobility impairment, their attitudes change. Some even utter degrading remarks like, ‘gurgu ne driver mu? Yana so mu ma zama gurune? (Our driver is mobility-impaired, He wants us to be disabled like him?).”
Undeterred, Goro uses these encounters to highlight the urgent need for societal change. “This is not just about me. It’s about challenging stereotypes and showing that PWDs are equally capable and deserving of respect.”
Goro’s ordeal is one out of thousands cases in the country. PWDs do little or no attention of government. They are being neglected from social services and infrastructure. They are being left to face every tumbling stone unleashed on their ways.
Sharing a disturbing story of another female PDW who has never been admired by anyone, not even the affectionate word “I love you.” This experience underscores the emotional isolation that many PWDs face in the society that often neglects their humanity.
Speaking during this year's International Day of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs, organised by USAID Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency, and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity roundtable in Gombe State, a Public Finance Management Specialist at the Gombe State2State office, Hassan Hamza, representing the State Team Lead, Dr Mohammed Abubakar, charged ministries, departments and agencies to work with stakeholders in solving the problems facing persons with disabilities.
The programme which was tagged “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”, the event sought to create supportive environments where PWDs can thrive.
The Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Coordinator Chabiyada Eli, advocated for a society that values PWDs for their abilities rather than defining them by their impairments.
“PWDs should not be reduced to their disabilities or subjected to dehumanising language. They deserve dignity, opportunities, and recognition as equals in every sphere of life,” Eli added.
The State2State Local Government Area Manager, Hajiya Zariyatu Abubakar, stressed the need for sustainability in inclusion efforts. “We must establish sustainable structures and ensure the commitment to inclusive practices remains a priority,” she said, echoing Goro’s belief in paving the way for future generations of PWDs.
Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Dr Isiaku Adamu, appreciated the passage of the disability law in Gombe State and called for its full implementation after assent.
Dr Adamu, who is visually-impaired and a lecturer at the Gombe State University, lauded USAID State2State for its role in promoting inclusivity, particularly in securing budget allocations for health, education, and WASH.
He also appreciated State2State for creating opportunities for PWDs to engage with policymakers at various forums, which he said contributed to the passage of the Gombe State disability law.
The meeting identified key issues, including the absence of sign language interpreters in healthcare and public institutions, which prevents hearing-impaired individuals from accessing essential services. Other concerns raised included exclusion from social welfare programmes, limited financial support, isolation and loneliness, stigma, and societal exclusion leading to emotional distress and a lack of social interaction.
Participants highlighted the increased vulnerability of women with disabilities to gender-based violence (GBV), often without access to PWD-sensitive support systems. They also noted neglect and emotional abuse experienced by many PWDs, as demonstrated in the story of the woman who had never been told, “I love you.”
Dehumanising language was another issue raised. PWDs are often addressed based on their impairments rather than as individuals, perpetuating stereotypes and marginalisation. Inaccessible buildings were also highlighted, as many public spaces, including government offices and schools, lack ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
The event concluded with stakeholders endorsing actionable steps, including:Full enforcement of the Gombe State disability law,Allocation of resources for PWD-friendly infrastructure, representation of PWDs in decision-making processes.
Stakeholders also highlighted the vital role of the media in raising awareness and advocating for the rights of PWDs. They pledged to amplify the voices of PWDs, champion their rights, and integrate inclusivity into Gombe State’s development agenda.
Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, societal attitudinal shifts, and active representation of PWDs in decision-making processes. Empowering individuals like Baba Goro to share their experiences is crucial to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.
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