The leadership of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) associations in Kano State has appealed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to expedite the establishment and operationalization of the Kano State Disability Commission, while raising concerns over what they described as the poor treatment and exclusion of disability groups by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Disabilities.
The appeal was contained in a statement jointly issued on Saturday by the Kano State Chairman of PWDs and leadership of the state’s recognized disability clusters, who nonetheless commended Governor Yusuf for his commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of Persons with Disabilities.
The associations also praised the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his sustained engagement with disability groups and efforts to ensure that their voices are reflected in government decision-making.
According to the statement, the commissioner’s inclusive approach has strengthened confidence among disability communities and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to social justice and equal participation.
However, the groups expressed concern that their relationship with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Disabilities has continued to deteriorate, alleging that the ministry’s handling of disability-related matters falls short of the governor’s vision for inclusion and empowerment.
“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,” the statement read.
The associations said they had repeatedly submitted complaints to relevant authorities over what they described as inadequate engagement and poor treatment of disability organizations.
They cited the recent distribution of Eid sacrificial cows donated by Governor Yusuf as one example, alleging that the items were shared with selected individuals based on personal affiliations rather than through recognized disability leadership structures, as had traditionally been the practice.
According to the groups, the development generated widespread dissatisfaction within the disability community across the state.
They identified several issues requiring urgent government intervention, including the lack of recognition of established disability organizations, poor stakeholder consultation on policies and programs affecting Persons with Disabilities, and the exclusion of recognized umbrella bodies from government engagements and welfare distribution mechanisms.
The associations further argued that such practices undermine Governor Yusuf’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection for vulnerable groups.
To address the challenges, the groups called on the Kano State Government to constitute a high-powered committee to facilitate the implementation and take-off of the Kano State Disability Commission, noting that similar institutions are already operational in several states across Nigeria.
They maintained that the commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for protecting the rights of Persons with Disabilities, coordinating interventions, promoting accountability, and ensuring the effective implementation of disability-inclusive policies.
The associations expressed confidence that establishing the commission would significantly improve representation, inclusion, and service delivery for Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.
They reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a constructive partnership with the state government in advancing the rights, welfare, and socio-economic development of Persons with Disabilities.
Endorsed by cluster heads;
- Musa Muhammad Shaga, Chairman Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities
- Abdurrahman Uba Daushe, Chairman Spinal Cord Injuries Association, Kano
- Musa Muhammad Kura, Chairman National Association of Blind
- Salisu Da’u Dawakin Kudu, Chairman Lepers Association
- Mariya Ishaq, Chairperson, Albinism Association
- Sani Babachanka, Chairman Deaf Association
- Yahaya A. Yahaya, Chairman Physically challeged
