Tribute to Danlami Umaru Basharu, member of United Nations CRPD Committee
Whereas the 16th Conference of the States Parties to the UNCRPD is in full swing in New York and worldwide, it is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that the International Disability Alliance and the International Disability and Development Consortium mourns the loss of Mr. Danlami Umaru Basharu, Chair, and later, a member of United Nations CRPD Committee. Danlami will be remembered as one of the great leaders of the disability movement in Africa and in his country of Nigeria, where he was promoting rights of people with disabilities, especially focusing on blind and deaf communities. In the course of his life, Danlami held many functions from teacher, lawyer, Senior Producer at the Nigerian Television Authority to Radio presenter on Radio Nigeria 2 of Beyond the Barrier, an awareness programme for people with disabilities, National President in Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, and Director of the Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind.
“The demise of Barrister Basharu Danlami is a huge loss to the Disability Community in Nigeria and Globally. I recall our first meeting in 2002 and how he inspired us with his passionate appeal to support disability work in Nigeria. He was an exceptional leader who fought tirelessly, was always advocating for the rights of all persons with Disabilities in Nigeria and Internationally. He will be greatly missed.”
Sunday Isiyaku, Country Director, Sightsavers
Danlami will remain a committed advocate fighting tenaciously for rights of the persons with disabilities. His influence on the disability movement has impacted and improved the lives of many in his home country and around the world. He was and will always be a source of inspiration and keeping the memory of him, his work and legacy in the movement will keep us all motivated in ensuring that all people with disabilities have equal rights all round the world. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues.