Gombe Government Renews Commitment to Disability Inclusion, Tackles Abuse
From Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Gombe State government has restated its dedication to protecting the rights of persons with disabilities and fostering their inclusion in society, while intensifying efforts to address the abuse and neglect they face.
Speaking during the World Disability Day celebration in Gombe, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Asma’u Muhammad Iganus, underscored the progress made under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration in advancing disability rights.
“The signing of the Disability Commission Bill into law and the appointment of persons with disabilities as Special Assistants, including a female Councillor from Dukku Local Government, reflect the administration’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity,” the commissioner stated.
She urged local government chairmen to ensure that persons with disabilities are given a platform to voice their concerns during official visits, emphasizing the importance of addressing their grievances.
Adamu Ishiyaku, Chairman of the Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, commended the governor for employing 20 graduates with disabilities and passing the Disability Commission Bill into law.
“This support has rekindled our hope for a better future,” Adamu said, adding that government interventions of this nature could help eradicate begging among persons with disabilities. He also appealed for the rehabilitation of the disability center to enable skills training for sustainable livelihoods.
In a related development, the commissioner represented the wife of the state governor, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, at a separate event in Deba Local Government Area as part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism campaign.
At the event, the commissioner expressed concern over the alarming rates of abuse faced by women and girls, particularly among persons with disabilities. “It is heartbreaking that individuals who require the most care and support are often victims of abuse,” she lamented, revealing that persons with disabilities account for 50 percent of such cases in the state.
The wife of the Deba Local Government Chairman, Hajiya Hajara Abubakar Difa, also decried the violations of the rights of persons with disabilities. She pledged to work with other council chairmen’s wives to address these issues at the grassroots level.
“We are partnering with the wives of councilors and other stakeholders to combat these injustices and ensure that persons with disabilities receive the respect and protection they deserve,” Hajiya Hajara affirmed.
The event highlighted the need for collective action and collaboration among government, civil society, and community leaders to safeguard the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Gombe State.
