By Esther Akaa, Lafia
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the protection, gender equity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nasarawa State.
In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, the IFRC is working to ensure that the voices and needs of PWDs are recognized and addressed.
Speaking on Thursday during the distribution of dignity kits to 110 PWDs in the state, Lilian Adeogba, IFRC Senior Officer for Community Engagement and Accountability, emphasized the importance of inclusive humanitarian response.
She said the initiative, under the “Capacity Building Fund for Protection, Gender, and Inclusion” program, is aimed at ensuring that no one is left behind in humanitarian efforts.
“This programme is specifically for persons with disabilities. It is part of our operation to demonstrate inclusiveness and ensure their voices — along with those of women, young girls, and the elderly — are included in our interventions,” Adeogba stated.
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She noted that the dignity kits were tailored to meet the specific needs of PWDs, taking into account their age and unique requirements.
“Our tools and outreach strategies are designed based on their preferences, ensuring better access to information and protection of their rights,” she added.
According to her, the IFRC, in partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, remains dedicated to delivering services that empower PWDs and support their wellbeing across the state.
Also speaking, Fatima Nasir, Director of Protection, Gender, and Inclusion at the Nigerian Red Cross Society, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and emphasized the need to support PWDs in overcoming daily challenges.
She explained that the dignity kits — which include items such as soap, detergents, reusable sanitary pads, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and torchlights — are primarily designed to support women of reproductive age and young girls.
Nasir added that the intervention is being implemented simultaneously in six states: Nasarawa, Benue, Plateau, Kogi, Kaduna, and Niger.
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In his remarks, Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, Hon. Saleh Keana, represented by Commissioner 1, Hon. Tafida Jibrin, expressed gratitude for the support.
“The beneficiaries are truly happy. This is a commendable gesture, and we appreciate the effort,” he said, while calling on well-meaning Nigerians to support vulnerable groups, especially PWDs.
One of the beneficiaries, Elizabeth Allu, thanked the IFRC and the Nigerian Red Cross Society for the thoughtful support.
“We are grateful for the items and especially thankful that our needs as PWDs have been acknowledged,” she said.
Earlier, Jerry Kuje, Secretary of the Nigerian Red Cross Society’s Nasarawa State branch, highlighted the project’s focus on community engagement and accountability, describing it as part of a broader commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of PWDs in the state and beyond.