Yola, Adamawa State
In a bold and inspiring move to combat systemic exclusion and unemployment, Persons with Physical Disabilities in Adamawa State have issued a passionate appeal to the state government, demanding the full implementation of the five per cent employment quota as mandated by Nigeria’s national disability law.
The demand was made by the newly elected leadership of the Adamawa State Chapter of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disability (NAPWPD), who emerged at the association’s secretariat in Yola during a peaceful and highly symbolic election on Thursday.
“We Want Inclusion, Not Sympathy”
Speaking shortly after his election, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Malam Abdullahi Toungo, declared that his first line of action would be to push the state government to give Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) not only a seat at the table but also access to employment and development opportunities.
“As we begin this four-year term, our first project is to convince the government to consider us, to give us five percent in employment and in projects involving people,” said Malam Toungo, a passionate advocate and diploma holder who now leads the state’s physical disability community.
Toungo emphasized that meaningful inclusion can only begin when the government actively creates space for PWDs in both the public and private sectors, particularly in areas of employment and developmental programmes.
A Leadership Team Reflecting the Diversity of the Disability Community
Malam Toungo will not be leading the charge alone. He is joined by 19 newly elected executive members, who come from different educational and socioeconomic backgrounds, underscoring the diverse nature of the disability community in Adamawa State.
Among the newly elected officers are:
- Elizabeth Gowon – Vice Chairman (SSCE holder)
- Ibrahim Idris – General Secretary (SSCE holder)
- Felix Dauda – Assistant Secretary (Master’s Degree holder)
- Aliyu Adamau – Treasurer (First School Leaving Certificate holder)
This mix of qualifications is a strong reminder that education level does not define value, and that PWDs, regardless of background, can contribute meaningfully to society if given a chance.
A Model Election: Peaceful, Transparent and Inclusive
The election, held at the association’s secretariat in Yola, was described as peaceful and transparent, with candidates elected unopposed. The exercise has been hailed as a model of unity, inclusion, and internal democracy within the disability community.
Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Iliyasu Amos, while briefing journalists shortly after the polls, praised the spirit of camaraderie displayed by all members.
“They were all elected unopposed and in a most friendly environment. It was a hitch-free process and a demonstration of the unity and maturity in our association,” Amos said.
The peaceful nature of the election and the uncontested emergence of all officers is seen by many as a sign of growing maturity and shared purpose among PWDs in the state.
Employment: The Mountain Yet to Be Moved
For many persons with disabilities in Nigeria, employment remains one of the most pressing challenges. Despite the passage of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, and the subsequent establishment of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), implementation of critical provisions such as the five per cent employment quota remains largely ignored across most states of the federation.
Adamawa State is no exception.
The new leadership hopes to change that narrative by initiating engagement with state policymakers and institutions to ensure that the law is not just on paper — but practiced. If the government adheres to this quota, it would not only change the lives of thousands of PWDs in the state but also set a powerful example for other states to emulate.
A New Dawn for Disability Inclusion in Adamawa
The emergence of this new leadership in Adamawa is seen by stakeholders as a turning point for disability advocacy in the state.
Disability rights groups, inclusive development organisations, and advocacy partners across the country have begun to take notice, expressing hope that the new executive would open doors, dismantle barriers, and build bridges between the disability community and government institutions.
The voice of the new leaders may soon echo beyond Adamawa — becoming a rallying cry for disability-inclusive employment and equal opportunity across Nigeria.
📣 Call to Action:
The Adamawa State Government now has an opportunity to lead by example.
Will they rise to the challenge? Will they become a beacon of hope in northern Nigeria for persons with disabilities? Or will the call for inclusion continue to echo unanswered?
As the new leadership gets to work, all eyes will be on Adamawa — watching, hoping, and praying that this will mark the beginning of a truly inclusive era.
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