In a resounding effort to bridge the gap in healthcare services for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, has made a strong case for inclusivity and equitable healthcare access in Yobe State.
Hon. Abba Isa’s clarion call came during a transformative two-day advocacy and sensitization visit to the state, underscoring the administration’s commitment to leaving no Nigerian behind. The visit was a collaboration between the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, the Department of Family Health of Yobe State Ministry of Health and Human Services, and the Lafiya UK-Nigeria Partnership for Inclusive Health.
This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusion and empowerment for all Nigerians, particularly those living with disabilities.
High-Level Engagements for Disability Inclusion
The advocacy visit was marked by a series of high-level engagements aimed at laying a robust framework for disability-inclusive policies in Yobe State.
A significant highlight was a meeting with the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Malam Wali. Discussions focused on the urgent need to finalize the signing of the Yobe State Disability Law, a groundbreaking legislation designed to protect the rights of PWDs and ensure their full participation in societal and economic activities.
Equally impactful was a strategic dialogue between Hon. Abba Isa and the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana. The meeting delved into the systemic challenges faced by PWDs in accessing healthcare services. The talks identified physical, policy, and systemic barriers while proposing actionable reforms to create a more inclusive healthcare delivery system.
Empowering Communities Through Grassroots Advocacy
Recognizing the critical role of community acceptance, the Senior Special Assistant engaged with traditional rulers to garner grassroots support for disability-friendly policies. The dialogue underscored the influence of cultural leaders in fostering societal inclusion and advocated for their active participation in promoting the rights of PWDs.
This effort was bolstered by a meeting with the Yobe State House of Assembly, where Hon. Abba Isa championed the harmonization of state laws with the federal Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. He emphasized the importance of aligning state legislation with global conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), to guarantee equal opportunities for PWDs.
A Call to Action at the Advocacy Symposium
The two-day visit culminated in a well-attended symposium themed Mainstreaming Disability into Community and Facility Health Services: Enablers and Barriers. The event brought together stakeholders from government, civil society, healthcare, and other sectors to strategize on dismantling barriers to healthcare access for PWDs.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Abba Isa articulated a compelling vision for inclusive healthcare systems as an integral part of Yobe State’s development agenda.
“Inclusive healthcare systems are not an option—they are a necessity,” he stated. “Persons with Disabilities deserve the same opportunities as every other Nigerian to access quality healthcare services. This requires us to address physical barriers, policy gaps, and systemic challenges that hinder accessibility.”
Hon. Abba Isa laid out a roadmap for achieving disability-inclusive healthcare, focusing on three critical pillars:
- Physical Accessibility: Ensuring health facilities are designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities.
- Responsive Delivery: Tailoring healthcare services to meet the unique needs of PWDs.
- Capacity Building: Training healthcare professionals to deliver disability-inclusive services effectively.
Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda
Throughout the visit, Hon. Abba Isa highlighted how these efforts reflect the broader vision of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that under President Tinubu’s leadership, the Federal Government is committed to creating a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of ability, has equal access to opportunities and resources.
He commended the Department of Family Health of Yobe State Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Lafiya UK-Nigeria Partnership for Inclusive Health for their unwavering dedication to the cause.
Building a Sustainable Future for All
The advocacy and sensitization visit has set the stage for a transformative shift in Yobe State’s approach to healthcare delivery. By engaging with policymakers, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders, the initiative has galvanized support for disability-inclusive policies and practices.
As the curtains closed on the two-day visit, the consensus was clear: the time for change is now. Through sustained advocacy and collaborative efforts, Yobe State is poised to lead the charge in building a society where PWDs are not just included but empowered to thrive.
Hon. Abba Isa’s efforts serve as a reminder that inclusivity is not merely a goal but a pathway to a more equitable and sustainable future for all Nigerians.
