The EU has launched a three-year project in Nigeria to advocate for disability rights, stepping in after a halt in funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Government and various stakeholders have lauded the European Union (EU) for its timely intervention in funding a crucial project aimed at advocating for the rights of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in Nigeria.

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This commendation comes in the wake of a cessation of funding by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Tributes were offered at the official launch of the Disability Rights Advocacy Project for Inclusive Development, a significant three-year initiative co-funded by the EU in collaboration with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM). The launch event took place in Abuja.

The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Ayuba Burki, described the EU-funded project as a welcome and much-needed development.

He stated, “This project is very commendable. As it is a three-year project, it is our desire that this will proceed as planned, ensuring the involvement of all persons with disability. Disability programmes are not the exclusive domain of certain individuals within organisations.”

He emphasised the need for collective effort, saying, “It means all hands must be on deck, and we must achieve our set goals. So,

I am delighted and eagerly anticipate the successful implementation of this programme over the next three years. We urge other partners to follow this example so that ultimately, people living with disabilities can experience genuine relief.”

Mr Burki also expressed his concern over the funding cut by USAID under the administration of United States President Donald Trump, noting that it would place significant pressure on numerous third-world countries.

However, he also viewed this development as an opportunity for leaders in the affected nations to look inward and develop indigenous solutions.

“I will call on African leaders to embrace this challenge and explore internal resources. While I acknowledge the great work USAID was doing, we cannot abandon the care of our people simply because they have withdrawn funding. We need to look inward and re-strategise,” he urged.

“Who knows? This may well be a blessing in disguise. Therefore, I do not see a cause for undue worry. Instead, it presents an opportunity to examine our own resources and reprioritise our national priorities. I am confident that we will ultimately be fine,” he concluded.

The Founder of The Albino Foundation, Chief Jack Epelle, echoed these sentiments.

Chief Epelle cautioned that Nigeria and many other developing nations cannot perpetually rely on USAID funding.

He stated, “I believe this situation presents both a positive and a negative aspect. It is positive because it is high time we shifted our focus away from external development funding and began to develop our own capacities so that we, in turn, can become funders ourselves.

This kind of event should compel us to look inward and explore how to meet the needs of our people through our own efforts.”

However, he also acknowledged the potential negative consequences, saying, “The negative aspect is that there are ongoing projects initiated by USAID, with individuals employed and projects expected to run for three to five years.

The funding halt will undoubtedly create hardships. Several children may be forced out of school, and many families uncertain about their next meal will suffer.”

Nevertheless, Chief Epelle commended the European Union for its commitment to undertaking the advocacy for persons with disabilities, particularly at the grassroots level.

Earlier in his address, the CBM Global Head of Programme Implementation, Bright Ekweremadu, stated that the project could not have been launched at a more opportune time.

Mr Ekweremadu also lauded the EU for its bold initiative in continuing to fund humanitarian projects at a time when President Donald Trump had halted USAID funding in Africa and other regions.

He remarked, “We are all aware of the recent developments concerning USAID. Therefore, when we witness a global donor or funder supporting programmes like this, we must deeply appreciate their commitment to aiding the less privileged and vulnerable members of our society.”

He declared, “Today marks a bold affirmation of purpose in our shared commitment to a future where every Nigerian, regardless of their ability, has an inherent right to dignity, opportunity, and full participation in society.”

“This project is our collective response to the persistent inequalities that persons with disabilities face every single day of their lives, sometimes due to conscious actions on our part.

Together, let us build a Nigeria where disability is recognised, every voice is heard, and no one is left behind,” he urged.

Expressing gratitude for the audience’s support, the head of the European Union delegation, Wynyfred Egbuson, emphasised the critical need to advocate for the cause of the less privileged within society.

According to her, the EU-CBM project was approved following a deliberate and rigorous assessment of its potential impact.

She explained, “Today’s event is the culmination of a lengthy process that commenced in June 2024 with a call for proposals targeting civil society organisations and human rights organisations both within and outside Nigeria. This involved a competitive and rigorous three-stage assessment process.”

“CBM and its co-implementing partners were selected from a pool of 31 applications, leading to the project’s launch today. It is estimated that over 25 million people in Nigeria live with a disability, representing one in every ten Nigerians.”