The National Leader PWDs, Hon Tolu Bankole has expressed his grief at the passing of Barr. Basharu Danlami Umaru, who was a pioneer and trailblazer in the fight for the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.
The ace broadcaster and former President of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, JONAPWD, died last week aged 64.
Hon Bankole described Basharu’s death as a monumental loss to the PWDs community. He praised Basharu as a trail blazer, resourceful and dogged fighter who contributed greatly to inclusivity rights in all its facets using the media.
Bankole noted: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Barr. Basharu Danlami. He was a remarkable JONAPWD leader, one that was selfless and motivated by the common good of Persons with Disabilities.
‘’We are all beneficiaries of his tireless advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria, and his efforts led to the enactment of the Disability Act today. He was dogged, committed, outspoken and principled in his quest to help find education and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“Barr Basharu’s objective was to create a suitable environment for independent living for persons with disabilities and work towards alleviating and eventual eradication of poverty among the human race in general and persons with disabilities in particular.
‘’His passing is both shocking and saddening. A voice for the voiceless has gone home. It is a great loss not only for persons with disabilities but for all of Nigeria. Nonetheless, we take comfort in the knowledge that he used his voice through the media to bring about awareness and understanding of the difficulties faced by persons with disabilities, especially the blind. My condolences goes to JONAPWD. I pray for a sweet repose of his soul and wish the family the courage and fortitude to bear his loss.”
