Abuja, Nigeria – August 31, 2024 – The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) has commended the Kebbi State Government for its recent decision to establish the Kebbi State Disability Commission and appoint Abdullahi Aliyu Usman as its first Executive Secretary. This significant development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.
Chief Ayuba Gufwan, the Executive Secretary of the NCPWD, expressed his approval and optimism regarding the appointment during a press briefing held in Abuja. He described the move as “a right step in the right direction,” emphasizing that it aligns with the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritizing the rights and welfare of Nigeria’s 35.5 million persons with disabilities.
In his congratulatory message to the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr. Nasir Idris, Gufwan lauded the state’s leadership for responding to the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen disability inclusion by not only establishing the commission but also by selecting a seasoned advocate like Abdullahi Usman to spearhead it. “Appointing an experienced administrator, Abdullahi Usman, as the pioneer Executive Secretary is a commendable decision. His wealth of experience, particularly his tenure as President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), positions him as the ideal leader to navigate this new commission toward success,” Gufwan stated.
A Milestone in Disability Advocacy
The establishment of the Kebbi State Disability Commission is a significant achievement in the ongoing struggle for the rights of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. This initiative is expected to serve as a model for other states, particularly those that have yet to establish similar bodies dedicated to the inclusion and empowerment of their disabled populations. By taking this bold step, Kebbi State is not only complying with the Federal Government’s directives but also setting a precedent that could lead to a broader national movement for disability rights.
Gufwan highlighted the importance of this development in the context of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, which has brought renewed focus and optimism to the disability community. “The success of the present administration is directly linked to the success of the disability community,” Gufwan emphasized. He further underscored the significance of President Tinubu’s recent signing of the Instrument of Ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa, which took place during the Thirtieth Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Addis Ababa.
“The President’s commitment to disability rights, as evidenced by this ratification, has rekindled the optimism and trust within the disability community. It is now up to us, as stakeholders, to build on this momentum and work together to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are respected and upheld across all levels of government,” Gufwan added.
Abdullahi Usman: A Leader with a Vision
Abdullahi Aliyu Usman’s appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Disability Commission is a fitting recognition of his years of dedicated service to the disability community. As a former President of JONAPWD, Usman has been at the forefront of advocacy for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Nigeria. His leadership in JONAPWD was marked by a commitment to grassroots mobilization, policy advocacy, and capacity building, all of which are expected to be central to his new role in Kebbi State.
Gufwan expressed confidence in Usman’s ability to lead the newly established commission effectively, noting that his experience and deep understanding of the challenges faced by persons with disabilities will be invaluable as he takes on this new responsibility. “We are confident that Abdullahi Usman will bring the same level of dedication and expertise to this role as he did in his previous positions. His leadership will be crucial in ensuring that the commission fulfills its mandate to protect and promote the rights of persons with disabilities in Kebbi State,” Gufwan said.
A Call for Unity and Collective Action
In his remarks, Gufwan also called on all stakeholders within the disability community to embrace unity and collaboration as they work towards a common goal. He emphasized that a united front is essential for achieving the broader objectives of the disability rights movement in Nigeria. “We must all come together, regardless of our individual differences, to support the work of the Kebbi State Disability Commission and other similar bodies across the country. Only through collective action can we ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully realized,” he said.
Gufwan’s call for unity is particularly timely, given the diverse and often fragmented nature of the disability community in Nigeria. By advocating for a more inclusive and collaborative approach, he is encouraging stakeholders to focus on their shared goals and work together to overcome the challenges that continue to hinder the full integration of persons with disabilities into Nigerian society.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Disability Rights in Nigeria
The establishment of the Kebbi State Disability Commission and the appointment of Abdullahi Usman as its Executive Secretary represent a significant step forward in the journey towards disability inclusion in Nigeria. However, Gufwan cautioned that there is still much work to be done to ensure that the commission’s potential is fully realized. He called on the Kebbi State Government to provide the necessary support and resources to enable the commission to carry out its mandate effectively.
“The creation of the commission is just the beginning. It is now up to the state government to ensure that the commission is adequately funded and supported so that it can deliver on its promises to the disability community. This includes addressing key areas such as employment, healthcare, accessible infrastructure, and education,” Gufwan stressed.
As Nigeria continues to make strides in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities, the eyes of the nation will be on Kebbi State and its new commission. With strong leadership, adequate resources, and the support of the wider disability community, there is hope that the Kebbi State Disability Commission will serve as a model for other states and help to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society for all Nigerians.
