Stakeholders Urge Kano Government to Establish Disability Commission

The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) and other key stakeholders have expressed concern over the Kano State Government’s delay in fulfilling its promise to establish a Commission for Persons with Disabilities.

The call was made during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting themed “Strengthening Inclusive Support Systems for Vulnerable Populations and Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.” The event was organized by V-PeSDI with support from the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation and the Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled.

In his opening remarks, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, Deputy Coordinator of V-PeSDI, emphasized the critical role persons with disabilities play in promoting peace and stability, which has earned the state both national and international recognition.

“Despite various advocacy efforts, we commend the establishment of the Department for People with Disabilities under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and the Disabled. However, we urge Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf to fulfill his campaign promise of setting up a full-fledged Disability Commission,” Sarina said. “Such a commission remains the only sustainable solution to the numerous challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the state.”

Adding his voice, Malam Abdulrazak Ado Zango, a visually impaired advocate, highlighted that the legal framework for the commission had been developed under the previous administration, aligning with the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities.

Also speaking, Malam AbdulRahman Uba Daushe, Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (Kano State Chapter), stressed the urgent need for government intervention, especially in addressing the persistent health and financial challenges faced by people with spinal cord injuries.

Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi noted that while the government plays a key role in improving citizens’ lives, a more strategic and systematic approach to advocacy is needed to ensure the actual implementation of the commission.

The engagement brought together over 30 organizations from across Kano State, united in their advocacy for the rights of vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities. The participants resolved to sustain pressure and awareness campaigns until the commission becomes a reality.