January 01, (THEWILL) – The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) has urged the State Government to “expedite” the establishment of a Disability Commission to manage the affairs of People With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Mohammad Bello, President of the Forum, made the call during a press conference held at the NUJ Press Centre, Kano, on Wednesday.
According to the forum, establishing a Disability Commission is crucial for safeguarding the rights and promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
When established, the commission would serve as an oversight mechanism for implementing disability policies, facilitating advocacy efforts and providing a platform for PWDs to articulate their concerns and advocate for their rights.
The forum commended the Kano State Government for its efforts at integrating disability considerations into its policies, including providing free healthcare services to over 5,000 PWDs and promoting inclusive education.
It emphasised that more needed to be done to address the challenges faced by PWDs in the state.
“The establishment of a Disability Commission in Kano State would align with the Nigerian Disability Act of 2019 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
“This commission would provide an opportunity for the state to unlock the potential of PWDs, contributing to economic growth and social cohesion.
“The KCSF urges the Kano State Government to prioritise the establishment of a fully functional Disability Commission, ensure adequate budgetary allocation, and involve PWDs in the planning and implementation of policies related to disability”, the group added.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
