In a significant move aimed at strengthening disability governance and promoting inclusive development in Nigeria, the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities (PWD) Board has embarked on a study tour to the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD), seeking to understudy the Commission’s remarkable achievements and innovative approaches to disability inclusion.
The high-level delegation from Zamfara State visited the Commission on Monday, June 8, 2026, in what stakeholders described as a major step toward fostering inter-state collaboration and knowledge sharing in advancing the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The visit comes barely seven months after the establishment of the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities Board, highlighting the Board’s determination to build a strong and effective institution capable of delivering meaningful impact for persons with disabilities across the state.
Speaking during the visit, the Chairman of the Zamfara State Persons with Disabilities Board, Alhaji Usman Ahmad Nahuche, revealed that Gombe State was deliberately chosen as the first destination for the Board’s study tour because of the outstanding achievements recorded by the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities under the leadership of its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ishiyaku Adamu.
According to him, the successes recorded by the Commission have attracted national recognition and positioned Gombe State as one of Nigeria’s leading examples of disability-inclusive governance.
“We have closely followed the remarkable progress being made in Gombe State and felt it was important to come and learn directly from a Commission that has become a reference point for disability inclusion in Nigeria,” he said.
Alhaji Nahuche expressed admiration for the speed and quality of reforms implemented by the Commission despite its relatively young age, noting that its achievements demonstrate what is possible when political will is matched with visionary leadership and commitment to inclusion.
He paid glowing tribute to the Governor of Gombe State, His Excellency Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, for his unwavering support for persons with disabilities and for creating an enabling environment for inclusive governance to thrive.
The Zamfara Board Chairman further described Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s decision to appoint Mr. Ishiyaku Adamu as Executive Chairman of the Commission as a strategic and commendable move, citing Adamu’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost disability rights advocates.
According to him, the leadership, dedication, and advocacy experience of Mr. Adamu have contributed immensely to the transformation of the Commission into one of the most effective disability-focused institutions in the country.
Beyond disability inclusion, members of the Zamfara delegation also commended the peaceful atmosphere, infrastructural development, and overall beauty of Gombe State, describing them as visible indicators of good governance and people-oriented leadership.
The delegation noted that the state’s developmental strides have not only improved the quality of life for residents but have also created a more conducive environment for inclusive policies and programs to flourish.
Responding, the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Ishiyaku Adamu, warmly welcomed the visitors and expressed appreciation for selecting Gombe State as their preferred destination for institutional learning and exchange.
He described the visit as a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships among disability institutions across Nigeria and promote collective efforts toward advancing the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
Mr. Adamu highlighted several key milestones achieved by the Commission since its establishment. These include the development of strategic frameworks and policies, institutional strengthening initiatives, disability rights advocacy, expansion of strategic partnerships, promotion of accessibility and inclusive infrastructure, and the creation of opportunities aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of persons with disabilities throughout Gombe State.
He emphasized that these achievements were made possible through the unwavering support and commitment of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration has consistently prioritized the welfare, empowerment, and protection of persons with disabilities.
“The Governor’s commitment to inclusion has provided us with the platform and support needed to implement impactful programs and policies that are changing lives across the state,” he stated.
Mr. Adamu assured the Zamfara delegation that the Commission remains committed to sharing its experiences, lessons learned, and successful strategies with other states to strengthen disability inclusion efforts nationwide.
The study tour also featured extensive interactive sessions between members of the Zamfara delegation and the management and staff of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
During the sessions, participants exchanged ideas, discussed common challenges, and explored practical solutions for improving service delivery, policy implementation, advocacy, accessibility, and economic empowerment for persons with disabilities.
Experts and stakeholders present at the engagement described the visit as a positive example of peer learning and institutional cooperation capable of accelerating progress toward a more inclusive Nigeria.
Observers noted that such collaborations are essential for building stronger disability institutions, promoting the exchange of innovative ideas, and ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in national development efforts.
The successful visit further strengthens Gombe State’s growing reputation as a national leader in disability inclusion, institutional excellence, and rights-based programming for persons with disabilities.
As states across Nigeria continue to establish and strengthen disability-focused institutions, the Gombe model is increasingly emerging as a source of inspiration and a benchmark for effective disability governance.
For many stakeholders, the Zamfara-Gombe engagement represents more than a study tour—it symbolizes a shared commitment to building a Nigeria where persons with disabilities enjoy equal opportunities, full participation, dignity, and access to development.
The visit concluded with renewed calls for stronger collaboration among disability institutions, government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations to advance disability-inclusive policies and create sustainable opportunities for millions of Nigerians living with disabilities.
