Advancing Disability Rights Through Collaboration: HAPI Engages Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission

On 18 August 2025, Hope Alive for Possibilities Initiative (HAPI) hosted Saleh Barde Keana, Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, alongside his team, for a strategic and forward-looking conversation on strengthening disability rights in Nigeria.

The meeting created a valuable space for reflection, alignment, and collaboration — grounded in a shared commitment to inclusion, dignity, and sustainable development for persons with disabilities.

Recognising Progress, Building on Impact

During the engagement, the Chairman commended HAPI’s ongoing work on the domestication of the Disability Rights Law in Benue State and the Menstrual Health and Hygiene project for women and girls with disabilities. These initiatives were recognised as critical steps toward moving disability rights from policy into practice.

From Access to Opportunity

Beyond legal protections, discussions focused on expanding opportunities for persons with disabilities through entrepreneurship and education. Both parties emphasised the importance of equipping persons with disabilities not only with academic qualifications, but with practical, market-relevant skills that support long-term economic independence.

There was a strong consensus that inclusion must go beyond one-off support. Sustainable systems, capacity building, and long-term investment are essential to creating lasting impact.

Strengthening Participation and Voice

The conversation also highlighted the need to increase the participation of persons with disabilities in governance and democratic processes — ensuring their voices are heard, represented, and reflected in decision-making spaces.

The meeting closed on a note of optimism, with a shared commitment to collaborate in amplifying disability inclusion and rights, particularly within Nasarawa State.

Stronger Together

At HAPI, we firmly believe that collaboration is the backbone of meaningful change. When institutions, advocates, and communities work together, disability inclusion moves from intention to action.

Together, we are building a future where persons with disabilities are empowered, included, and represented — not as beneficiaries, but as leaders and contributors.