CITAD Advocates for Kano State PWDs Commission on Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities 2023

By Mustapha Salisu

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) by urging the Kano State Government to establish a dedicated PWDs Commission.

Sagiru Ado Abubakar, CITAD’s Coordinator for Persons with Disabilities, made the call during a one-day celebration held at CITAD’s Kano Office.

He expressed concern that despite signing the Disability Bill into law, Kano State Government has yet to establish a Commission to oversee PWDs’ affairs.

Themed “United in action to rescue and achieve the SDGs for, with and by persons with disabilities,” this year’s IDPD highlights the significance of inclusive and sustainable development for persons with disabilities, who are often disproportionately impacted by crises and left behind in development efforts.

CITAD’s Executive Director, Y.Z Ya’u, represented by the Centre’s Human Resource Officer, Ibrahim Nuhu, emphasized the need for a fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing, and action to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the pursuit of the SDGs.

Ya’u acknowledged that the world is not on track to achieve many of the SDGs by 2030, with progress either stalling or regressing below the 2015 baseline. He noted that the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, are often disproportionately affected by crises.

“Persons with disabilities, who comprise 15% of the world’s population, face increased vulnerability due to poverty, discrimination, and social exclusion. They are also more likely to be marginalized in times of crisis” Ya’u stated.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities and disproportionately impacted persons with disabilities. he added.

Tasiu Shehu Garko, a former SSA on Disabled, spoke on behalf of other participants, expressed gratitude to CITAD for organizing the event and making them feel valued and included.

He reiterated the call for the state government to prioritize the establishment of the Disable Commission, emphasizing its role in facilitating the welfare of PWDs in the state and enabling them to benefit from Federal Government interventions targeted at PWDs through their Commissions across the country.

The annual commemoration included a series of presentations by experts on topics related to PWDs and Technology/Inclusion, Assistive Technology, and their roles in Accountability and Anti-corruption.