Frustration and determination echoed in Kano State on Tuesday as Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) renewed their call for the immediate establishment of a Disability Commission—a long-awaited promise from Governor Abba Yusuf that remains unfulfilled.
Despite repeated assurances before and after his election, the prolonged delay has left the disability community feeling sidelined, prompting a renewed push for action.
At a stakeholder engagement forum, disability rights advocates, civil society organizations, and government representatives gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening advocacy efforts and ensuring that the proposed commission becomes a reality.
PWDs Demand Action, Not Just Promises
The forum, organized by Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), brought together voices from across Kano’s disability community, all united in their demand for institutional reforms that will address their rights and welfare.
Aftahana Sarina, head of the PWDs unit at VSO, underscored the urgency of the issue, stressing that PWDs cannot afford to wait indefinitely for the government to act.
“We organized this discussion to develop new approaches in advocating for the commission. We are doing everything humanly possible to ensure that the government takes the necessary actions,” Sarina declared, highlighting that without sustained pressure and engagement, the establishment of the commission might continue to be a distant dream.
A Commission Led by PWDs, for PWDs
Adding his voice to the discussion, Abdul Haruna, the pioneer Chairman of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association, emphasized that the commission must be led by PWDs themselves, ensuring that their lived experiences and challenges drive policymaking and implementation.
“We need a body that will enforce existing disability laws, raise awareness, and address critical issues such as education, healthcare, employment, and accessibility to public spaces. The government must not only establish the commission but ensure that PWDs are at the helm of affairs,” Haruna stated passionately.
He pointed out that without a dedicated institution to enforce disability rights laws, PWDs in Kano continue to face systemic barriers in accessing education, employment, and public infrastructure, making them one of the most marginalized groups in the state.
Government Reassures, but Will It Deliver?
In response to the growing frustration, Binta Yakasai, Director of Social Welfare at the Kano Ministry of Women, Children, and People with Disabilities, reassured attendees that the government remains committed to making the commission a reality.
“We recognize the importance of this commission, and we are committed to making it happen,” Yakasai stated, urging patience and continued dialogue between stakeholders and the government.
While her reassurance provided a glimmer of hope, many PWDs remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises from past administrations.
A Game-Changer for Disability Rights in Kano
Stakeholders at the forum unanimously agreed that once established, the Disability Commission could be a game-changer for the PWD community in Kano, ensuring equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and public spaces.
Such a commission, they argued, would serve as a watchdog for disability rights enforcement, ensuring that existing laws are not just on paper but actively implemented.
The Road Ahead: A Renewed Fight for Inclusion
As the event concluded, there was a renewed sense of purpose among the attendees. PWDs in Kano made it clear that they will not remain silent or accept empty promises. Instead, they vowed to intensify advocacy efforts, engage policymakers, and mobilize the disability community until the commission becomes a reality.
For many, the fight for the Kano State Disability Commission is not just about fulfilling a campaign promise—it is about demanding dignity, equality, and the right to be fully included in society.
The ball is now in the government’s court. Will Governor Abba Yusuf finally fulfill his commitment, or will PWDs in Kano continue to be denied the institutional support they so desperately need?
