The leadership and members of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Associations in Kano State wish to express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, for his demonstrated commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of Persons with Disabilities across the state.
We also commend the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his consistent engagement with PWDs groups and his efforts to ensure that our voices are heard in the Kano State governance processes. His inclusive approach has strengthened confidence amongst disability communities and reflects the administration’s commitment to social justice and equal participation.
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Despite these commendable efforts and the commitment demonstrated by His Excellency through various government initiatives, we wish to respectfully draw the attention of the Governor on the persistent concerns regarding the relationship between PWDs groups and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities.
We believe that the current approach of the ministry does not adequately reflect the Governor’s vision of promoting the welfare, dignity, empowerment, and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in Governance
This situation risks undermining the noble objectives for which the ministry was established.
Our association has, on several occasions, submitted formal complaints and observations to relevant authorities concerning the poor treatment and inadequate engagement of disability groups. One recent example was the distribution of the Eid sacrificial cows gesture provided by His Excellency, which, rather than being channelled through recognized disability leadership structures as traditionally practiced, was reportedly distributed to selected individuals based on personal affiliations
This development generated concerns and dissatisfaction among many members of the disability community in Kano State
Among the key issues requiring urgent attention are:
1. Lack of Recognition of Disability Organizations
Recognized disability organizations and representative bodies are often sidelined in decision-making processes and implementation of programs affecting Persons with Disabilities in the State
2. Poor Stakeholder Engagement
There is inadequate consultation and engagement with disability stakeholders on policies, programmes, and interventions designed for PWDs.
3. Marginalization of Representative Bodies
Legitimate leadership structures and umbrella organizations representing Persons with Disabilities are frequently excluded from important government interactions and distribution of welfare packages mechanisms.
4. Undermining the Governor’s Vision
The current situation does not align with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection for vulnerable groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities.
In view of the foregoing, we respectfully call on the Kano State Government to consider the establishment of a High piwer Committee on the implementation and take off of the Kano State PWDs Commission similar to what exists in many states across Nigeria. Such an institution would provide a dedicated framework for addressing disability issues, safeguarding the rights of PWDs, coordinating interventions, and ensuring effective implementation of disability-inclusive policies.
We believe that the implementation and take off of the Disability Commission will significantly enhance inclusion, accountability, representation, and service delivery for Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.
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We reaffirm our commitment to constructive engagement and partnership with the Kano State Government in advancing the rights, welfare, and development of all Persons with Disabilities.
Signed by all the Cluster Heads:
Chairman,
PWDs Association, Kano State
Cluster heads:
1. Musa Muhammad Shaga, Chairman Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities
2. Abdurrahman Uba Daushe, Chairman Spinal Cord Injuries Association, Kano
3. Musa Muhammad Kura, Chairman National Association of Blind
4. Salisu Da’u Dawakin Kudu, Chairman Lepers Association
5. Mariya Ishaq, Chairperson, Albinism Association
6. Sani Babachanka, Chairman Deaf Association
7. Yahaya A. Yahaya, Chairman Physically challeged