In a powerful demonstration of inclusive governance and opportunity, the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD) has facilitated the appointment of three qualified Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into permanent and pensionable positions in the federal civil service—an achievement widely hailed as a landmark moment for disability inclusion in Nigeria.
The beneficiaries—Yusuf Yahaya, Kalipha Bala, and Abdullahi Ali Bako—represent not just individual success stories, but the collective aspirations of the disability community in Gombe State. Drawn from the three senatorial zones, their selection underscores a deliberate commitment to equity, fairness, and statewide representation. Their diverse disabilities—a visual impairment, hearing impairment, and mobility impairment—further reflect the Commission’s inclusive approach in ensuring that no group is left behind.
This milestone did not happen by chance. It is the product of deliberate policy direction and sustained political will under the leadership of Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration established the Commission as a vehicle for advancing the rights, welfare, and socio-economic inclusion of persons with disabilities. That decision continues to yield tangible results, setting a replicable model for other states across Nigeria.
Speaking during the presentation of the appointment letters, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Ishiyaku Adamu, expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his unwavering support and vision. He emphasized that the enabling environment created by the state government has made it possible for qualified PWDs to access life-changing opportunities that were once out of reach.
According to Adamu, the Commission remains steadfast in its mission to break systemic barriers and open new pathways for persons with disabilities. He revealed ongoing efforts to secure additional opportunities, including international scholarship placements for qualified PWDs to pursue higher education abroad—an initiative expected to further strengthen human capital development within the disability community.
Beyond celebrating the appointments, the Chairman delivered a message of responsibility and preparedness. He urged persons with disabilities, particularly young people, to take advantage of the free education provisions enshrined in the Gombe State Disability Law. He noted that while policies and legal frameworks have created unprecedented access, success ultimately depends on readiness, dedication, and excellence.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he charged, calling on the beneficiaries to serve as shining examples in their respective workplaces. “Let your performance speak. Show the world that disability is not inability.”
Echoing similar sentiments, the APC Disabled Leader in the state, Hon. Yakubu Ahmad, commended the Commission for translating vision into reality. He described the appointments as a validation of the purpose behind the establishment of the Commission and a testament to what intentional leadership can achieve. He urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and excellence on the job.
Observers note that this development goes beyond employment—it represents dignity, representation, and a shift in societal perception. For many in the disability community, it signals hope that inclusion is no longer just a policy conversation but a lived reality.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with issues of unemployment and social exclusion, Gombe State’s approach offers a compelling narrative: that with the right structures, leadership, and commitment, persons with disabilities can not only participate but thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Indeed, this milestone stands as a reminder that inclusion is not charity—it is a right, a necessity, and a catalyst for sustainable progress.
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