Dr. Micah Shabi, Executive Director of Improvement in Respect to Social Status of Disability, delivering his welcome remarks.
Peacebuilding is an inclusive undertaking with diversity as a foundational element central to achieving social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. Valuing the role of people with disabilities in peacebuilding, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria partnered with the Improvement in Respect to Social Status of Disability (IRSD) for a one-day awareness campaign on The Role of People with Disabilities in Promoting Peace.
Over 130 people from diverse ethnoreligious backgrounds from various communities in Kaduna, including traditional leaders, government officials, and men, women, and children with disabilities, attended the event at the Arewa House on March 15, 2025. The discussion focused on inclusiveness in peacebuilding and increasing the involvement of people with disabilities in related activities in their communities.
IRSD Executive Director Dr. Micah Shabi welcomed the attendees and expressed his appreciation to GPF Nigeria for their partnership in hosting the event. He emphasized that solving society’s problems is an inclusive effort to which people with disabilities can contribute and should always be included. Advocating for a holistic and inclusive approach to peacebuilding, Dr. Shabi commented, “The best solution might come from one of us.”
Hajiya Rakiya Umar, Executive Secretary, Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board
Further, Dr. Shabi reiterated that a peaceful society depends on the contributions of all communities. As such, he stressed the need for the government, its agencies, and other civil society organizations to increase their efforts to address the issues confronting people with disabilities, with poverty and neglect chief among them.
GPF Nigeria Sr. Program Manager Abdul Ahmed represented the organization’s Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, who expressed his appreciation for partnering with IRSD to deliver the one-day awareness campaign with such a special community. Expounding on the inclusivity of peacebuilding, he stated, “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice, inclusion, and mutual respect.”
Mr. Ahmed also advocated for the rights of people with disabilities and promoted an environment where all people can flourish. He remarked, “The Global Peace Foundation Nigeria remains committed to advancing the ideal of One Family under God as well as advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and fostering an environment where everyone, irrespective of their physical or cognitive abilities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to nation building.”
Hajiya Rakiya Umar, the executive secretary of the Kaduna State Disability Affairs Board, emphasized that an educated and enlightened community is key to creating an environment of inclusivity where both the community and the general public become knowledgeable about the issues affecting people with disabilities. In closing, Ms. Umar stated, “Disability is not a life sentence and should never be allowed to limit them.”
A diverse crowd gathers for an awareness event to bring inclusivity of people with disabilities in Nigeria.
In addition, Rukaiyatu Sani Imam, representing the State Resident Electoral Commissioner at the Independence National Electoral Commission, recognized the importance of including people with disabilities in all activities. She noted the work of her organization in providing a level playing field for members of the disability community, including providing assistive materials during elections as well as engaging several members on its ad-hoc staff.
Various attendees of the one-day awareness campaign expressed their appreciation to GPF Nigeria and IRSD for holding the event. Ibrahim Ajiya, leader of Chikun Blind People, noted that the event provided his community with a sense of belonging. He stated, “As people with disabilities, we need peace the most and hence must work the most for it. We therefore consider ourselves key stakeholders in the peacebuilding effort.”
Chris Difference, leader of the Association of Disabled People in Kawo, was particularly thankful to GPF Nigeria for its continued inclusion of people with disabilities in its peacebuilding efforts. According to him, “The conversation has been transformative, enlightening, and eye-opening. This will no doubt bring about tremendous changes amongst our people.”
Several performances during the event highlighted the talent and versatility of people with disabilities. Visually impaired pupils of Demonstration School Kaduna performed a dramatic piece. Favor Morgan, who is speech impaired, recited a peace and love poem, and Anderson Moses, who is visually impaired, sang a peace song.
Events such as the one-day awareness campaign on The Role of People with Disability in Promoting Peace provide the opportunity for diverse people from different ethnoreligious backgrounds to better understand the value that people with disabilities bring to peacebuilding activities. Encouraging the disability community’s involvement in peacebuilding creates inclusivity and strengthens social cohesion among diverse communities thereby supporting peaceful coexistence.
