In a bold step towards fostering inclusivity and improving the welfare of vulnerable groups, the Kano State government has announced plans to establish a dedicated Disability Commission. The move is part of the state’s commitment to addressing the pressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities, a marginalized group that has long been sidelined in the areas of healthcare, education, and employment.
The announcement was made on Monday by Hajiya Amina Abdullahi Sani, Kano State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, Children, and the Disabled. Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at tackling issues of social inclusion, Hajiya Amina underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to bridge the gap between persons with disabilities and essential services.
“There is no doubt that persons with disabilities in Kano State face numerous barriers that hinder their integration into society,” she said. “Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is committed to breaking these barriers through the establishment of a Disability Commission. This initiative will serve as a platform to amplify their voices and provide solutions to their challenges.”
Stark Realities
During the meeting, Hannatu Suleiman Abba, a representative of the Voluntary People Support Development Initiative, painted a grim picture of the plight of over 43,000 persons with special needs in the state. She revealed that these individuals face systemic exclusion due to poor access to healthcare, limited educational opportunities, and scarce employment prospects.
“These barriers not only impede their personal growth but also contribute to their continuous marginalization,” Abba stated. She called on the government and other stakeholders to prioritize policies and programs that would create equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) present at the meeting also voiced concerns about the slow implementation of critical laws aimed at protecting vulnerable groups. They called for the full domestication and enforcement of the Child Protection Law in Kano State, emphasizing the need to prosecute offenders who violate children’s rights, including rapists and abusers.
A Promise of Change
Responding to these concerns, Hajiya Amina assured stakeholders of the state government’s unwavering commitment to addressing these issues. She reaffirmed that Governor Yusuf is not only committed to establishing the Disability Commission but also to ensuring the domestication of the Child Protection Law in the state.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that these promises are translated into concrete actions. The Yusuf administration is dedicated to creating a society where everyone, regardless of their physical or social condition, has access to opportunities,” she said.
The commissioner also highlighted the administration’s efforts to combat violence against women and children, pledging to strengthen frameworks that protect these vulnerable groups from abuse and exploitation.
A Vision for Social Inclusion
Dr. Aminu Magashi Garba, the Technical Adviser to Governor Yusuf on Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, further emphasized the government’s dedication to social inclusion. He revealed that the state’s 2025 “Budget of Hope, Human Capital, and Economic Development” includes comprehensive social protection policies designed to uplift the welfare of all residents, especially persons with disabilities.
“This budget is not just a financial document; it is a blueprint for inclusive development. It outlines specific provisions aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring that every resident of Kano State, including persons with disabilities, can thrive,” Dr. Magashi stated.
He added that the planned Disability Commission would work in tandem with existing government policies to address the challenges faced by persons with special needs, ensuring they are integrated into all aspects of society.
A Call to Action
As Kano State charts a new course towards inclusivity, stakeholders and advocacy groups have called for collaborative efforts to ensure the success of these initiatives. They urged the government to expedite the establishment of the Disability Commission and the domestication of the Child Protection Law, stressing that time is of the essence in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
With the Yusuf administration’s renewed commitment to fostering equality and social inclusion, there is growing hope among residents that Kano State will set a benchmark for other states in Nigeria to follow.
This bold initiative, if successfully implemented, could mark a turning point in the lives of thousands of persons with disabilities, offering them the dignity, respect, and opportunities they have long been denied.
