CBM launches three-year disability inclusion project in N/Central Nigeria, Jos particularly. The Christian Blind Mission (CBM) has officially launched a 36-month initiative aimed at advancing disability rights and promoting inclusive development across Plateau State, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The project, titled Bold Actions for Advancing Disability Rights and Inclusive Development in North Central Nigeria (BASICC II), will run from July 2026 to June 2029. In Plateau State, it is being implemented by the Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CeGHaD) and the Heart of Hope Foundation.
CeGHaD will focus its activities in Pushit Central, Puka, Makor, Gindiri Town, Kwergoro, and Tongzong within Mangu Local Government Area. Heart of Hope Foundation will work in Fwil-Vom, Dahwol-Vwana (Jos South), Rahoss, Tahoss, Riyom, and Kogo in Riyom Local Government Area.
BASICC Disability Inclusion Project Program Announcement
This project was attended by Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDS), different Civil Society Organizations (CSOS), Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAS), Legislature, Religious Leaders and Media. At the stakeholders round table discussion launch event held in Jos, CBM Country Director Samuel Omoi, represented by Programme Coordinator Innocent Onyemaechi, described the project as a continuation of earlier efforts to deepen disability inclusion and ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in development processes.
“Today marks an important milestone in our collective journey toward a more inclusive society where the rights, dignity and potential of persons with disabilities are fully recognised, respected and protected,” he said.
Omoi acknowledged that while Nigeria has put disability laws and policies in place, many persons with disabilities continue to encounter significant obstacles. These barriers often limit their access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, public services, and meaningful participation in decision-making.
He explained that BASICC II will strengthen the capacity of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society groups, communities, and government institutions to promote, monitor, and enforce disability rights. The project will also support socio-economic empowerment through self-help groups, the provision of assistive devices, and livelihood opportunities.
“The success of BASICC II will depend on the collective efforts of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, communities, the media and, most importantly, persons with disabilities themselves, whose voices and leadership remain at the heart of this initiative,” he added.
Representatives of the implementing partners shared similar optimism. Anna Dimka, Programme Officer at CeGHaD, and Kefas Bulus, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at Heart of Hope Foundation, emphasised that the project aims to improve living conditions for persons with disabilities while building stronger, more resilient communities.
“At the end of BASICC II, we expect more interventions for persons with disabilities. Lives will be transformed, and communities will be transformed. We are taking them out of vulnerability to resilience,” Dimka stated.
A significant outcome of the launch meeting was the formal endorsement of the Plateau Disability Inclusive Advocacy Forum. This multi-sectoral platform is expected to work closely with government stakeholders to address gaps in disability-inclusive budgeting, policy implementation, and broader social inclusion efforts.
BASICC II Project Summary
- Full Name: Bold Actions for Advancing Disability Rights and Inclusive Development in North Central Nigeria (BASICC II)
- Duration: 36 months (July 2026 – June 2029)
- Lead Organisation: Christian Blind Mission (CBM)
- Geographic Focus: Plateau State, Benue State, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria
Implementing Partners in Plateau State:
- Centre for Gospel Health and Development (CeGHaD) — covering communities in Mangu Local Government Area (Pushit Central, Puka, Makor, Gindiri Town, Kwergoro, and Tongzong)
- Heart of Hope Foundation — covering communities in Riyom Local Government Area and Jos South (Fwil-Vom, Dahwol-Vwana, Rahoss, Tahoss, Riyom, and Kogo)
Main Objectives:
The project aims to deepen disability inclusion and ensure persons with disabilities are not left behind in development. Key focus areas include:
- Strengthening the capacity of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society organisations, communities, and government institutions to promote, monitor, and enforce disability rights
- Supporting socio-economic empowerment through self-help groups, provision of assistive devices, and livelihood opportunities
- Addressing persistent barriers that limit access to education, healthcare, livelihoods, public services, and participation in decision-making — despite existing national disability laws and policies
Additional Outcome:
The launch also led to the endorsement of the Plateau Disability Inclusive Advocacy Forum, a multi-sectoral platform intended to work with government on disability-inclusive budgeting, policy implementation, and social inclusion.
Overall Goal of this Project:
To move persons with disabilities from vulnerability toward greater resilience, with measurable improvements in their quality of life and stronger, more inclusive communities.
Final Remarks
At the close of the event, CBM formally handed over the project to CeGHaD and Heart of Hope Foundation. Representatives from the Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA), the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), and other partners expressed their commitment to supporting successful implementation.
Stakeholders agreed that the true measure of BASICC II’s success will not be found in meetings or discussions alone, but in concrete improvements in the daily lives of persons with disabilities living in the target communities.