The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Niger State Council, has called for the establishment of a commission dedicated to the welfare and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the state.
The State Chairman of NUJ, Comrade Abu Nmodu, made the call when he received members of the Executive Council of the Nigeria Association for the Blind at the IBB Pen House in Minna.
Comrade Nmodu stressed the urgent need for such a commission to provide institutional support and a sense of belonging for persons living with disabilities.
He described persons with disabilities as an important segment of society deserving of special government attention, given the physical and psychological challenges they face.
The NUJ chairman commended Governor Umaru Bago for prioritising welfare and development programmes in the state and appealed for similar attention to be extended to persons with disabilities, particularly the visually impaired.
He pledged that journalists in Niger State would continue to use their platforms to amplify the voices of the disabled community and draw the attention of government and stakeholders to their needs.
Nmodu also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that would improve the living conditions of persons with disabilities, assuring that the union’s doors remain open for collaboration.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Association for the Blind, Mallam Hamza Salihu, said the visit formed part of activities marking the International White Cane Day, celebrated annually on October 15 to promote the independence and mobility of visually impaired persons worldwide.
Hamza described the white cane as a symbol of freedom, confidence, and self-reliance, and urged the media to intensify advocacy and awareness about the challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
He expressed optimism that a strong partnership with the NUJ would help amplify their voices to reach policymakers and promote a society where disability is not equated with inability.
Salihu also appreciated the NUJ for its consistent commitment to social justice and human rights in Niger State and throughout Nigeria.
