In Kano State, the promise of equity and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) remains unfulfilled despite the passage of the Disability Law in 2021.
Central to this legislation was the establishment of a Disability Commission to ensure policy implementation, resource allocation, and advocacy for PWDs.
Stallion Times reports that three years after the bill was passed into law, the commission remains, unrealized, leaving critical issues like access to education, employment, and public services largely unaddressed.
On this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD), themed “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,” PWDs in Kano renewed their call for urgent government action.
Call for Action To Save Lives and Create Opportunities
Abdulrazak Ado Zango, the State Chairman of Kano Initiatives for Persons with Special Needs, while speaking with Stallion Times emphasized the transformative impact the commission could have.
“The Disability Commission will save lives, create job opportunities, and drastically reduce street begging,” he stated.
He highlighted the need for PWDs to be included in annual budget allocations, which would enhance their economic empowerment.
Zango also appealed to the private sector and philanthropists, urging them to support PWDs by offering leadership positions and fostering inclusive workplaces.
Addressing Discrimination and Employment Inequality
Hamza Aminu, representing the Coalition of the Disabled Self-Advocacy Network in Kano, in an interview with Stallion Times decried the discrimination PWDs face in employment and politics.
“Most PWDs are excluded from contesting elections and holding significant positions in political parties,” he said.
He stressed the lack of comprehensive data on PWDs in Kano, calling it a major barrier to effective policy-making.
Aminu argued that the Disability Commission would not only enhance their rights but also ensure those who discriminate against PWDs face legal consequences.
“We can’t keep relying on international organizations to fight for our rights. We need a local commission to give us a voice,” he concluded.
Beyond Empowerment: Sustainable Solutions Needed
Rabi Yusuf, Executive Director of the Gender and Disability Inclusion Advocacy Center, underscored the importance of education and healthcare for PWDs.
She lamented the absence of desk officers for disability issues in Kano’s ministries and agencies, noting,
“This is crucial for ensuring PWDs receive appropriate services.,” she told Stallion Times.
Yusuf also criticized short-term empowerment schemes, saying, “We don’t want one-off handouts of N50,000. We need sustainable empowerment that allows PWDs to face life’s challenges independently.”
A Plea for Leadership and Inclusion
Yahaya A. Yahaya, Chairman of the Physically Challenged Persons Association, reiterated the need for inclusive leadership in Kano.
“Without the Disability Commission, our challenges persist,” he said, emphasizing that PWDs need representation at all levels of government.
Yahaya called on the Kano State Government to fulfill its commitment by establishing the commission, ensuring that PWDs have a platform to advocate for their rights and contribute to the state’s development.
As the global community celebrates IDPWD, the voices of PWDs in Kano resonate with urgency.
Their call for the establishment of a Disability Commission remains a plea for dignity, equity, and sustainable inclusion in Kano State.
