By Hannatu Sulaiman Abba
The Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development has pledged to promote inclusive empowerment programmes for persons with disabilities (PWDs) through livestock and skills development initiatives.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Dr Aliyu Isa Aliyu, made the pledge when the founder of Beyond Inclusion, Hannatu Suleiman Abba, led representatives of PWD clusters on a courtesy visit to his office in Kano.
Speaking during the visit, Abba said persons with disabilities are capable of rearing livestock and other domestic animals if provided with the necessary support and opportunities.
She noted that such interventions would not only improve their livelihoods but also reduce poverty, dependence and discrimination against PWDs.
Abba also commended Dr Aliyu for his commitment to disability inclusion, recalling that during his tenure as Director-General of the Kano State Bureau of Statistics, he strengthened the collection of disability data across the state.
She explained that the visit was also aimed at strengthening collaboration with the ministry to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in relevant government programmes.
Responding, Dr Aliyu commended Beyond Inclusion and disability advocates for their commitment to promoting inclusion in Kano State.
He said Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to initiatives that improve the livelihoods of residents and is ready to support programmes that promote sustainable development.
The commissioner disclosed that the ministry had commenced similar community-based interventions about two years ago, stressing that supporting vulnerable groups requires collaboration from all stakeholders.
According to him, the ministry is implementing programmes on entrepreneurship, skills acquisition, employment and vocational training through agricultural, hospitality and other vocational institutions.
He said the programmes are expected to empower about 10,000 beneficiaries with employable skills and sustainable livelihood opportunities, adding that applications will be open to all Kano residents through a public link and that beneficiaries will be selected strictly on merit rather than political affiliation.
Dr Aliyu further disclosed that the ministry is preparing to launch a goat dairy empowerment scheme, which he said would create income-generating opportunities for beneficiaries while contributing to the state’s economy.
He urged Beyond Inclusion to prepare a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise the partnership, assuring the organisation of the ministry’s readiness to collaborate in advancing inclusive development.