Tribute to Danlami Umaru Basharu, member of the 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 mourn 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 the 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, and Senior Producer at the Nigerian Television Authority to a Radio presenter on Radio Nigeria 2 of Beyond the Barrier, an awareness program 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.
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 his legacy in the movement will keep us all motivated in ensuring that all people with disabilities have equal rights all around the world. Our deepest condolences go to his family, friends, and colleagues.