Kano Renames Ministry To Dignify People With Special Needs

The Kano State Government has renamed the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Disabled to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and People with Special Needs.

Governor Abba Yusuf granted the approval for the change during a recent State Executive Council (SEC) meeting at the Government House in Kano.

Announcing the development, Commissioner for the Ministry, Amb. Hajiya Amina Sani Abdullahi, in a statement released by the ministry’s director of public enlightenment, Bintu Yakasai, said the change was prompted by a formal request to replace the word ‘Disabled’ with the more respectful term ‘People with Special Needs’.

She explained that the previous term was outdated and often viewed as stigmatising, while the new name reflects dignity and recognises the potential of every individual, noting that, “Nobody is truly disabled — everyone has something valuable to offer.”

She quoted the Commissioner to have praised Governor Yusuf for his ongoing commitment to the welfare of people with special needs, describing his support as genuine and inspiring.

“There has never been a time I met with His Excellency without him asking how people with special needs are doing or how the government can better support them,” she said.

The Commissioner further emphasised that the renaming of the Ministry was not just symbolic but forms the basis for future reforms aimed at promoting inclusion, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all.