The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has formally inaugurated its eleven-member Coordination Group, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s institutional growth and commitment to inclusive development.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the AHBN Conference Hall in Kano State, featured the presentation of letters of engagement and the unveiling of V-PeSDI’s strategic agenda for 2026.
The event also provided a platform to review V-PeSDI’s key achievements in 2025, including its pivotal participation in Zero Dose Learning Hub (ZDHL) on Immunization Budget Tracking, Accountability and Advocacy of the AHBN; accessibility checklist audits assessing the availability of disability-friendly spaces and support services across 76 public institutions, NGOs, and civil society organizations.
In addition, the organization convened multi-stakeholder engagements focused on strengthening inclusive support systems for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable populations.
Delivering the keynote address, the Acting Coordinator of V-PeSDI, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, presented the organization’s strategic “Way Forward for 2026,” anchored on three priority objectives:
- Strengthening collaboration with the Kano State Headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to enhance voter education and electoral participation for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs);
- Championing the establishment of a Kano State Accountability Forum on Disability to promote, track, and monitor the implementation of inclusive policies; and
- Intensify Partnership and Participation with Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled in Designing and developing a comprehensive framework for a population census of Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.
Sarina expressed profound appreciation to V-PeSDI’s development partners for their sustained support and collaboration, particularly acknowledging the AMG Foundation, Africa Health Budget Network, Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled, Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR), Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS), White Heart Development Initiative, PACE, and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Program.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sani Muhammad Fagge, described the inauguration as a strategic step toward strengthening governance, accountability, and operational excellence within the organization.
“This inauguration aligns our collective efforts toward delivering sustainable and measurable impact for vulnerable people,” he stated.
He emphasized that the Coordination Group will operate with strong principles of transparency, evidence-based decision-making, collaboration, and shared ownership of V-PeSDI’s mission.
The newly inaugurated Coordination Group comprises distinguished professionals with diverse expertise dedicated to advancing disability inclusion and social development. Notable members include Mal. Salisu Yusuf from AMMKaS; Dr. Binta Bala, Director, Department of Persons with Disabilities, Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled; Dr. Hadiza Shettima, Technical Adviser, Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB); Mustapha Usman Jibril (physically impaired person); Juwairiyya Dahiru Muaz, among others.
Board Member Hajiya Nafisa Murtala highlighted the importance of teamwork, professionalism, and institutional integrity as pillars of V-PeSDI’s effectiveness and credibility.
In his closing remarks, Malam Suleiman Umar Jalo reflected on the evolution of V-PeSDI, recalling key landmark interventions such as the provision of tricycles for students with disabilities at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, establishment of toilets at Tudun Maliki Special Education School, and noting the formal leadership transition in 2025 aimed at strengthening the organization’s capacity to promote equity, inclusion, and improved quality of life for vulnerable populations.
Other dignitaries and speakers at the event included Mal. Ibrahim, Kano State Programme Coordinator, RoLAC II; Zainab Nasir Ahmad, Executive Director, YOSPIS; Khadija Aliyu Ammani, Executive Director, White Heart Development Initiative; and Nafisa Ibrahim Shehu, Executive Administrator, CHR.
