Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s recent assent to the Gombe State Disability Protection Bill is a groundbreaking moment in the state’s journey toward an inclusive and equitable society.
By establishing the Gombe State Disability Commission, this legislation not only addresses long-standing challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) but also sets a new benchmark for inclusive governance in Nigeria.
This development is not just a policy decision; it is a statement of intent. For decades, PWDs in Gombe and across the nation have faced systemic barriers in education, employment, healthcare, and public life. With this law, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has sent a powerful message: inclusion is not optional—it is fundamental to the state’s progress.
The Disability Protection Bill provides a legal framework for addressing the unique needs of PWDs, ensuring their access to education, healthcare, and social services while promoting their full participation in societal development. It is not merely a symbolic gesture but a concrete step to institutionalize the rights of PWDs.
The appointment of Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, a PWD and respected academic, as the Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission underscores the administration’s commitment to representation and expertise.
Dr. Adamu’s proven track record in advocating the cause of PWDs will undoubtedly position the commission as a transformative agency for change.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s announcement of renovations to the state’s only special school and plans for two additional ones across the senatorial districts reflects a long-term vision for inclusive education.
These schools will create opportunities for PWDs to receive quality education, develop skills, and integrate seamlessly into society.
The Governor’s leadership in prioritizing such projects demonstrates a deep understanding of the intersection between social justice and development. When every citizen is empowered to contribute to society, the collective potential of the state is amplified.
This achievement is a product of collaborative efforts between the government, the Gombe State House of Assembly, advocacy groups, and the PWD community. The Assembly’s rigorous scrutiny of the bill ensured its provisions were not only comprehensive but also aligned with the aspirations of those it seeks to serve.
Advocacy groups, many of which have championed this cause for over 15 years, deserve recognition for their resilience. Their efforts have been vindicated, with Gombe now positioned as a leader in disability inclusion within the Northeast region.
Gombe’s commitment to PWDs serves as an example for other states. The Disability Commission, with its mandate to promote education, healthcare, and social integration for PWDs, will undoubtedly attract support from development partners and international organizations.
This proactive approach signals a shift in governance where marginalized communities are no longer seen as an afterthought but as active participants in shaping the future.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s administration has shown that meaningful leadership is about creating opportunities for all, especially the most vulnerable. By signing the Disability Protection Bill into law, he has cemented his legacy as a champion of social justice and inclusion.
As implementation begins, the onus lies on all stakeholders—government agencies, civil society, and the PWD community—to ensure the commission achieves its goals. With effective collaboration and sustained commitment, Gombe can truly become a state where disability is not a limitation but a characteristic accommodated and embraced.
The Disability Protection Bill is more than a legislative milestone; it is a promise of a brighter, more inclusive future. Gombe State has not just broken barriers—it has set the stage for a society where everyone, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
