The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has intensified its advocacy for the welfare and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State through strategic engagement with the Department of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities.
As part of this effort, the Coordinator of V-PeSDI, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, accompanied by Mallam Salisu Yusuf, a member of the organisation’s Coordination Group, paid an advocacy visit to the Department on June 1, 2026.
The meeting focused on reviewing the Department’s 2026 work plan and identifying areas of collaboration to strengthen the rights, inclusion, and socio-economic development of Persons with Disabilities across Kano State.
Speaking during the engagement, the Director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Binta Bala, revealed that several memoranda had been submitted to the Kano State Governor for approval. The proposals include the provision of assistive devices for visually impaired students in Tudun Maliki, an empowerment programme targeting 1,500 Persons with Disabilities across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state, and a comprehensive enumeration exercise for Persons with Disabilities.
Dr. Bala explained that the proposed interventions are expected to be implemented through the forthcoming Kano State Commission for Persons with Disabilities once it becomes operational. She noted that the Governor’s commitment to establishing the Commission informed the decision to channel the programmes through the institution to ensure effective implementation and sustainability.
The Director also highlighted the urgent need for a specialised rehabilitation centre for spinal cord injury survivors in Kano State. According to her, persistent advocacy by the Department has led to the allocation of a budget code for the project, while substantial funding has been earmarked for its establishment.
She expressed concern over the rising number of spinal cord injury cases in the state, stressing that access to rehabilitation services remains a major challenge, as the only specialised rehabilitation centre currently available in Nigeria is located in Lagos.
Dr. Bala said the proposed facility would provide much-needed support for spinal cord injury patients in Kano and surrounding states, reducing the burden of travelling long distances for specialised care.
In response, V-PeSDI reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Department’s advocacy efforts and working closely with government agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life of Persons with Disabilities.
The organisation emphasized that strengthening disability-inclusive policies and programmes remains essential to achieving greater social inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.