By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi
It has been stressed that physical disability is not a barrier to contributing to peace and nation-building as it is the responsibility of every citizen to strive to ensure peaceful coexistence and stability.
The assertion was the agreement at a one-day meet on “Awareness on Peace Within Persons with Disability”, held at Kaduna engaging not fewer than 130 participants from across the country.
The meeting served as a crucial platform to highlight the role of inclusivity in peacebuilding as organized by the Improvement in Respect to Social
Status of Disability in partnership with Global Peace Foundation Nigeria (GPFN).
The event also brought together, stakeholders, policymakers, Government representatives and persons with disabilities to amplify their voices in shaping a more peaceful and inclusive society.
In his remarks, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria, Rev. Dr. John Joseph Hayab, reaffirmed GPFN’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace through inclusivity.
Represented by the Senior Program Manager, Abdul Ahmed, he emphasized that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, equity, and opportunities for all members of society, regardless of their physical abilities.
According to him, “Peace is a collective responsibility, and it cannot be achieved if certain groups remain marginalized. Persons with disabilities must be recognized as active contributors to peace and nation-building, not just as beneficiaries of interventions.”
Hayab stressed that,”Their resilience, experiences, and perspectives are invaluable in shaping sustainable peace.”
He further urged government institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in peacebuilding efforts.
He commended the organizers for their dedication and encouraged continuous
collaboration to create a society where inclusivity and peace go hand in hand.
The Clergyman stated that, “We are all members of one human family, united under God, and bound by the divine call to love, support, and uplift one another. In this family, there is no ‘us’ and ‘them’-there is only ‘we.'”
He stressed that, “A society that neglects its most vulnerable members is a society that has lost its humanity. Persons with disabilities are not a burden; they are a
blessing, a reminder of the strength, courage, and resilience that define the human spirit.”
According to him,”If we are to build a peaceful and just society, we must embrace every individual as an essential part of our shared destiny. When we stand together, as One Family Under God, we create a world where no one is left behind, and peace is not just an ideal but a lived reality.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director of Improvement in Respect to Social Status of Disability, Dr. Micah Shabi, appreciated the willingness of Global Peace Foundation Nigeria to partner with them on this initiative, which has now become a regular convocation for people with disabilities in Kaduna State.
He described as unfortunate, the level of neglect persons with disabilities face from both the government and society, lamenting that poverty and begging for survival have become a forced reality for many.
He therefore called for urgent support and intervention to ensure a better life for persons with disabilities.
Shabi expressed deep gratitude for the kind gesture of Rev. John Joseph Hayab, who, some months ago, provided financial assistance to support women with disabilities in starting small-scale businesses.
Highlighting the importance of peace, Micah Shabi stated that, “Many times, people talk about how crises affect society, but little is said about how they impact people with disabilities.”
According to him, “Some of us do not hear the call to run; some of us do not see and may unknowingly run into danger; some of us cannot ask for help, and some of us cannot move to places of safety without being carried.”
He stressed that, “This underscores the reality that people with disabilities are among the most vulnerable in times of conflict, making peace a necessity rather than a choice for them.”
While their contributions to peacebuilding often go unnoticed, Micah Shabi emphasized that persons with disabilities in Kaduna are peace-loving individuals committed to fostering harmony and stability.
He concluded by advocating for a holistic
and inclusive approach to peacebuilding, stressing that persons with disabilities have valuable contributions to make toward national development.
The event was graced by distinguished guests, including Hajiya Rakiya Umar, the
Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, and a representative of the State Resident Electoral Commissioner.
Special performances by persons with various forms of disabilities added color to the event, further showcasing the resilience and talents within the disability community.
The meet served as a reminder that inclusivity is key to sustainable peace as it emphasized that regardless of physical abilities, every individual has a role to play in fostering peace and contributing to nation-building.
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