Zamfara State government has established the Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Board as part of Governor Dauda Lawal administration’s drive to promote social welfare and inclusive governance.
The secretary to the state government, (SSG), Malam Abubakar Mohammed Nakwada, announced this in Gusau yesterday. He said the establishment of the board followed a recent amendment to the state law designed to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, prevent discrimination and ensure equal access to opportunities.
According to him, key changes to the law include replacing “Chairman” with Executive Chairman”, ” Executive Secretary” with” Secretary”, and converting part-time membership to full-time.
He further explained that, it also mandates that members of the board must be selected from among PWDs to ensure that its activities reflect the interests of the targeted groups.
The governor said the establishment of the board reflects his administration’s commitment to social justice, equity and inclusivity, noting that persons with disabilities posseses unique talents and potential that can drive Zamfara’s progress and development.
The members approved for the appointment by the governor include, Alhaji Usman Ahmed Nahuche, a retired permanent secretary and member of the Deaf Cluster as the pioneer executive chairman of the board.
Other members include Hajiya Amina B.M. Audi (Special Cord Cluster), Tukur Abdullahi (Deaf cluster), Babangida Umar Shinkafi (Physical Challenged), Umar Babangida Ahmed (Blind cluster), Binta Namadi (representative of women) and Sani Abubakar.
The governor charged the appointees to work diligently to improve the living standards of PWDs across the state and also thanked development partners and stakeholders who supported the process of amending the law.
