Kano PWD Groups Laud Gov. Yusuf, Raise Concerns Over Women Affairs Ministry, Demand Disability Commission

The leadership of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) associations in Kano State has commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what they described as his commitment to inclusive governance and the welfare of persons with disabilities.

The associations also praised the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for his consistent engagement with disability groups and efforts to ensure their inclusion in governance.

In a joint statement signed by the leadership of various disability clusters in the state, the associations said the commissioner’s inclusive approach has strengthened the confidence of persons with disabilities in the administration and reflects the government’s commitment to social justice and equal participation.

Despite the commendation, the groups expressed concern over what they described as the poor relationship between disability organisations and the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities.

According to the statement, the ministry’s current approach does not reflect Governor Yusuf’s vision of promoting the welfare, dignity, empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities, warning that the situation could undermine the objectives for which the ministry was established.

The associations disclosed that they had previously submitted formal complaints to relevant authorities over what they described as inadequate engagement and poor treatment of disability groups.

They cited the recent distribution of Eid sacrificial cows donated by Governor Yusuf as an example, alleging that the items were distributed to selected individuals based on personal affiliations instead of being channelled through recognised disability leadership structures, as had been the practice in the past.

The groups said the development generated widespread dissatisfaction within the disability community in Kano State.

Among the issues highlighted by the associations are the alleged lack of recognition of disability organisations in decision-making processes, inadequate consultation with stakeholders on policies and programmes affecting persons with disabilities, and the exclusion of recognised leadership structures from government engagements and welfare distribution.

They also argued that the current situation falls short of Governor Yusuf’s commitment to inclusive governance and social protection for vulnerable groups.

To address the concerns, the associations called on the Kano State Government to establish a high-powered committee to facilitate the implementation and take-off of the Kano State Persons with Disabilities Commission.

According to them, the commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, coordinating disability-related interventions and ensuring the effective implementation of inclusive policies across the state.

The groups expressed confidence that the establishment of the commission would strengthen accountability, representation, inclusion and service delivery for persons with disabilities in Kano State.

They reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement and partnership with the Kano State Government in advancing the rights, welfare and development of persons with disabilities.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the PWDs Association, Kano State, alongside the heads of the various disability clusters, including Musa Muhammad Shaga (Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities), Abdurrahman Uba Daushe (Spinal Cord Injuries Association), Musa Muhammad Kura (National Association of the Blind), Salisu Da’u Dawakin Kudu (Lepers Association), Mariya Ishaq (Albinism Association), Sani Babachanka (Deaf Association) and Yahaya A. Yahaya (Physically Challenged Association).