The Zamfara State Government, under Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the establishment of the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Board as part of efforts to promote inclusivity and social welfare.
Announcing the development, the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, said the creation of the Board follows the recent amendment of the state law protecting the rights of PWDs against discrimination and ensuring equal access to opportunities.
He explained that the amended law introduced key changes, including renaming the leadership positions from Chairman to Executive Chairman and Executive Secretary to Secretary, while also upgrading part-time members to full-time.
Importantly, the law now requires that board members must be drawn from among Persons with Disabilities themselves.
Governor Lawal has appointed Alhaji Usman Ahmed Nahuche, a retired Permanent Secretary and member of the Deaf community, as the pioneer Executive Chairman. Other members include Hajiya Amina B.M. Audu (Spinal Cord cluster), Tukur Abdullahi (Deaf cluster), Babangida Umar Shinkafi (Physically challenged), Umar Babangida Ahmed (Blind cluster), Binta Namadi (Representative of women), and Sani Abubakar.
According to Nakwada, the establishment of the Board demonstrates Governor Lawal’s commitment to equity and social justice, while reaffirming his belief that PWDs possess talents and potential vital to the state’s progress.
The governor urged the appointees to work diligently to improve the lives of PWDs across Zamfara and expressed appreciation to development partners and stakeholders who supported the legal reforms.
He assured that his administration remains committed to collaborations that will enhance the well-being of all citizens.
