Associations representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State have commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for promoting inclusive governance and engaging disability communities in the affairs of the state.
The commendation was contained in a press release issued on June 27, 2026, and jointly endorsed by leaders of various disability clusters and associations across Kano State.
The associations praised Governor Yusuf for what they described as his commitment to the welfare, empowerment and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in governance and public life.
They also lauded Comrade Waiya for his consistent engagement with disability groups and efforts aimed at ensuring that the voices of Persons with Disabilities are reflected in governance processes in Kano State.
According to the statement, the commissioner’s inclusive approach has strengthened confidence among disability communities and demonstrated the administration’s commitment to social justice and equal participation.
Despite the commendation, the associations expressed concerns over what they described as persistent challenges in the relationship between disability groups and the Kano State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities.
The groups stated that the current approach of the ministry does not adequately reflect the governor’s vision of promoting inclusion, dignity and social protection for Persons with Disabilities.
According to the associations, the situation risks undermining the objectives for which the ministry was established.
They disclosed that several complaints and observations had previously been submitted to relevant authorities concerning what they termed poor treatment and inadequate engagement of disability organizations in government programmes and interventions.
The associations cited the recent distribution of Eid sacrificial cows donated by the governor as one of the issues that generated concern among members of the disability community.
According to them, the items were allegedly distributed to selected individuals based on personal affiliations instead of being channelled through recognized disability leadership structures as traditionally practiced.
The development, they noted, created dissatisfaction among many Persons with Disabilities across the state.
The associations also identified several other challenges affecting disability communities, including lack of recognition of disability organizations, poor stakeholder engagement and marginalization of representative bodies in decision-making processes and welfare distribution mechanisms.
They argued that legitimate leadership structures and umbrella bodies representing Persons with Disabilities were often excluded from important government interactions and programmes affecting their members.
The groups further maintained that the current situation does not align with Governor Yusuf’s commitment to inclusive governance and protection of vulnerable groups.
As part of their demands, the associations called on the Kano State Government to establish a high-powered committee for the implementation and take-off of the Kano State Disability Commission.
According to them, the commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for addressing disability-related issues, safeguarding the rights of Persons with Disabilities and ensuring effective implementation of disability-inclusive policies.
The associations stressed that the establishment of the commission would significantly improve inclusion, accountability, representation and service delivery for Persons with Disabilities in Kano State.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to constructive engagement and partnership with the Kano State Government in advancing the rights and welfare of Persons with Disabilities.
The statement was endorsed by the Chairman of PWDs Association in Kano State and cluster heads of several disability groups, including Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, the Spinal Cord Injuries Association, National Association of the Blind, Lepers Association, Albinism Association, Deaf Association and Physically Challenged Association.
Among the signatories were Musa Muhammad Shaga, Abdurrahman Uba Daushe, Musa Muhammad Kura, Salisu Da’u Dawakin Kudu, Mariya Ishaq, Sani Babachanka and Yahaya A. Yahaya.