CBM Global Nigeria launches Country Strategy Plan to End the Cycle of Poverty & Disability
News | September 15, 2023
CBM Global Nigeria Team recently announced the launch of its new Country Strategy Plan (CSP) titled “Collaborative Actions to End the Cycle of Poverty and Disability (COLLABO).” The CSP is a comprehensive three-year framework that will serve as a roadmap for CBM Global Nigeria in achieving its goals and objectives. This plan will guide the organisation in making a sustainable impact on the lives of persons with disabilities and their organisations. It aims to address the existing inequality gaps within society and promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
Ekaete Umoh, CBM Global Nigeria Country Director, says: “The strategy plan is our response to bridging the inequality gaps in society, particularly, promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.” She also adds: “Power imbalance has caused a lot of problems between donors and the organisations that they are funding…our localisation is working here, our authentic partnership has been tested and is running…and that we are seeking to rebalance power is always showing that we are doing that in the course of the work that we are doing.”
The key focus areas of the CSP include strengthening organizations of persons with disabilities, providing inclusion advisory support, fostering movement building, establishing authentic partnerships, engaging strategically with stakeholders, conducting advocacy, and launching campaigns. By pursuing these strategies, CBM Global Nigeria aims to bring about positive change and empower persons with disabilities to lead lives of dignity and independence.
Chris Ogoshi, Programme Director of the Health and Development Support Programmed (HANDS), says: “CBM Global is one organisation with a long history of support. When they come, they have come to stay and support you. CBM Global has inculcated in us the need for inclusion, which we are doing very well by targeting persons with disabilities and providing services that will touch their lives.”
The launch of the Country Strategy Plan marks a significant milestone for CBM Global Nigeria. The event was positively received by partners. Irene Patrick Ogbogu, Executive Director of the Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC), says: “They have taken reasonable accommodation into consideration. As a person with disability, I find it difficult to sit through long meetings without feeling uncomfortable but I have enjoyed myself with minimal discomfort…I give them great kudos for that. This reflection meeting has also further enlightened us and strengthened our capacity.”
CBM Australia CEO, Jane Edge, and Head of Programs, Kobi Maglen, and CBM New Zealand CEO, Murray Sheard, joined key government stakeholders during the launch. These include the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, and the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities. Representatives from organisations such as Cuso International, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), CBM International, Plan International, UNFPA, UN Women, ActionAid International, SightSavers, and the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities actively participated in the event as well.
With the support of government stakeholders, international organisations, and NGOs, they are poised to create a more inclusive and equitable society for persons with disabilities. Through collaborative efforts, CBM Global Nigeria and its partners are determined to break the cycle of poverty and disability in the country.
https://cbm-global.org/news/cbm-global-nigeria-launches-country-strategy-plan-to-end-the-cycle-of-poverty-disability