By Mustapha Salisu
The Kano State Government has pledged support for the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce following the completion of a six-week digital skills training conducted by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
Yusuf Ibrahim Sharada, Senior Special Assistant on ICTs to the Kano State Governor, made the pledge while recognizing the training’s importance as the government prepares to expand its workforce.
With support from the MacArthur Foundation, the event was held today at CITAD’s head office in Kano and it provided digital and computer skills to participants with various disabilities, including visual impairments, physical challenges, and albinism.
Sharada assured participants that he would personally report to the governor to advocate for employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. “This training is timely, and I will recommend the creation of positions for PWDs within the state government,” Sharada stated
Earlier in his remarks, Ahmad Abdullahi Hassan, a training facilitator, highlighted CITAD’s commitment to inclusive technological development.
Representing CITAD’s Executive Director, Engr. Y.Z Ya’u, he emphasized the center’s mission to empower communities through technology without discrimination. He encouraged participants to apply their new skills and pass on their knowledge in their communities.
On his part, Malam Ibrahim Lamido, who represented the Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Development, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to supporting initiatives for PWDs.
He pledged to work alongside CITAD to ensure that PWDs are included in all government programs and said he would collaborate with the SSA on ICT to submit a report advocating for these inclusions to the governor.
Hamza Aminu Fagge, CITAD’s PWD Coordinator, praised CITAD’s commitment to creating opportunities for PWDs and commended the participants’ dedication. He also urged the government to continue engaging PWDs actively in all of its activities to foster greater inclusivity and accessibility.
Speaking on behalf of the participants, Maryam Aminu Muhammad expressed gratitude to CITAD and the MacArthur Foundation, noting the transformative impact of the training. “With this support, PWDs are no longer in the shadows but are now recognized and empowered to contribute,” she said.
Recall that, in August, PRIME TIME NEWS reported that CITAD launched a Digital Training Hub for PWDs, the first of its kind in Northwestern Nigeria, aiming to empower over 300 individuals through an 6-week program for its inaugural group.