The Albino Foundation Public Notice
People with Disabilities in Kano State has pushed for the establishing a disability commission to address their needs. PWDs in the state urge the government to fulfil its campaign promise of establishing the commission.
Despite repeated assurances from Governor Abba Yusuf before and after his election, PWDs expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in setting up the commission.
In response, the Volunteer Service Overseas, in collaboration with disability rights groups in Kano, convened a roundtable discussion to strategise on ensuring the commission’s actualisation.
Speaking at the event, the head of the PWDs unit in VSO, Aftahana Sarina, emphasised the need for sustained advocacy.
“We organised this discussion to develop new approaches in advocating for the commission.
“We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the government takes necessary actions,” Sarina stated.
The pioneer Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association, Abdul Haruna, underscored the commission’s significance, stressing that it should be led by PWDs themselves.
He highlighted its role in enforcing existing laws, raising awareness, and addressing critical issues such as education, healthcare, employment, and accessibility to public spaces.
Reassuring the PWDs, the Director of Social Welfare at the Kano Ministry of Women, Children, and People with Disabilities, Binta Yakasai, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the commission a reality.
“We recognise the importance of this commission, and we are committed to making it a reality,” Yakasai said.
Stakeholders at the forum agreed that once established, the commission would be a game-changer, ensuring equal opportunities for PWDs in education, healthcare, employment, and public infrastructure.
