The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) and other stakeholders have criticised the Kano State Government for failing to establish a Disability Commission, despite earlier promises.
The concern was raised during a stakeholder meeting titled “Strengthening Inclusive Support Systems for Vulnerable Populations and Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.”
The event, supported by the Aminu Magashi Garba Foundation and the Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled, brought together over 30 organisations advocating for disability rights.
Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, Deputy Coordinator of V-PeSDI, noted that people with disabilities have contributed significantly to peace and social stability in the state. “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,” he said. “Such a commission remains the only sustainable solution to the numerous challenges faced by persons with disabilities in the state.”
Malam Abdulrazak Ado Zango, a visually impaired rights advocate, reminded participants that the groundwork for the commission had already been laid by the previous administration. “The legal framework for the commission exists and aligns with the National Policy for Persons with Disabilities,” he said.
Malam AbdulRahman Uba Daushe, Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injury Association of Nigeria (Kano State Chapter), said the situation for those with spinal cord injuries is becoming unbearable. “The government must act, especially to ease the financial and health burdens that many of us are dealing with,” he said.
Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi argued that while advocacy continues, it needs to be better structured. “The government has a responsibility to improve the lives of its citizens, but we also need to refine our advocacy strategies to push for real action,” he said.
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