By Suleman Ahmad Tudu, Gusau | October 23, 2024
In a significant move to promote social inclusion and protect the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), the Zamfara State Government has committed to establishing a Disability Board. This step will breathe life into the Persons with Disabilities Law that was enacted in 2022 but abandoned by the previous administration.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, made this announcement during a meeting with the Zamfara State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) on Wednesday in Gusau.
Nakwada expressed Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration’s determination to implement the law swiftly, emphasizing that it aligns with the state’s commitment to safeguarding PWDs from discrimination and ensuring they have access to opportunities in all aspects of life.
Rekindling a Law Long Overdue
The Persons with Disabilities Law, which was passed by the Zamfara State House of Assembly and signed into law in 2022, seeks to protect PWDs from all forms of marginalization while promoting inclusion across education, healthcare, and employment.
However, despite being enacted, the law was left dormant by the previous administration. Now, Governor Lawal’s government has promised to revive and fully implement it.
“We are taking this seriously,” Nakwada assured.
“I have directed the Permanent Secretary for Cabinet Affairs to review the law and prepare an executive summary. This summary will be submitted to His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, within a week. We have no time to waste.”
The SSG emphasized that the prompt implementation of the law will significantly improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, stating that Governor Lawal is deeply committed to issues of social justice and inclusion.
“Governor Lawal is passionate about the well-being of all citizens, and I can assure you that he will do everything possible to ensure this law is implemented without delay,” Nakwada added.
Fostering Inclusion and Accessibility
The proposed Disability Board, as outlined in the law, will serve as a regulatory body ensuring that PWDs are not subjected to discrimination and that they receive equitable access to opportunities in education, employment, and public services.
Nakwada also acknowledged that PWDs deserve special consideration due to their unique challenges, lamenting the previous administration’s failure to implement the law despite its potential to transform lives. “It’s regrettable that this law was shelved for so long,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to stakeholders such as Save the Children and other organizations that supported the drafting and enactment of the law. “Your efforts were not in vain,” he told them, pledging that the government would build on their hard work to ensure a brighter future for PWDs in Zamfara.
JONAPWD Expresses Hope and Appreciation
In his remarks, Alhaji Usman Nahuce, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of JONAPWD, expressed appreciation to the SSG for taking time out of his busy schedule to meet with the association. Nahuce recounted the years of advocacy that PWDs in the state have engaged in to push for recognition and inclusion.
“Our struggle has been long, but it is finally about to materialize under this rescue administration,” Nahuce said. He applauded Governor Lawal’s leadership and expressed optimism that the implementation of the law will mark a turning point for PWDs in the state.
The meeting between the government and JONAPWD marked a critical moment in the push for inclusive governance and equal rights for PWDs in Zamfara.
The Path Ahead: An Inclusive Future for Zamfara
The move to implement the disability law and establish the Disability Board signals the government’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and accessible society. When fully operational, the board will ensure that PWDs in Zamfara receive the support they need to thrive and participate meaningfully in public life.
This development comes at a crucial time when the conversation around disability rights is gaining momentum in Nigeria. With states across the country enacting disability laws and establishing similar boards, Zamfara’s action places it among the progressive states committed to the welfare of PWDs.
The SSG’s promise to expedite the process demonstrates that the Lawal administration understands the urgency of disability issues and the importance of taking concrete steps to address them.
As Zamfara moves forward with the implementation of this law, the expectations are high that the Disability Board will not only offer protection and advocacy but also promote empowerment programs, skill development, and employment opportunities for PWDs in the state.
This bold initiative by the Zamfara government represents a new chapter in the fight for social inclusion and the elimination of discrimination against persons with disabilities—a future where every citizen, regardless of their ability, can contribute to and benefit from the development of the state.
