People living with special needs have described passage of the Kano state People With Disability Law, as a great achievement that would leave an indelible mark to the history of the State.
The northwest zonal coordinator, National Association of People Living With Disabilities, Comrade Bilkisu Ado Zango made the assertion during the development of Kano state People Living With Special Needs Charter of Demand 2022, held in Kano.
According to her, people with special needs have been advocating for the PWDs bill for over ten years to ensure inclusion and equal opportunities.
She highlighted that, they were gathered to produce an inclusive charter on their needs and aspirations to set agenda for policy makers, politicians and relevant stakeholders with particular emphasis on health, education, agriculture, economic empowerment, among others.
Comrade Bilkisu noted that, the charter would be validated and engage decision makers even after the 2023 general elections to hold government accountable to PWDs.
Also speaking, Kano state chairman of People Living With Physical Disabilities, Malam Yahaya A. Yahaya stressed that, people living with special needs have been segregated by politicians during empowerment and other laudable projects.
He said the PWDs charter of demands, would serve as a reference for the six clusters to be presented to government and decision makers.
The Chairman noted that, the enrollment of PWDs into the BHCPF scheme in Kano, has gone a long way in boosting capabilities and alleviating challenges, encountered by those with special needs, in terms of quality healthcare delivery.
Presenting a paper, Kano state chairman of CSACEFA, who doubles as lecturer department of adult education and community development Bayero University Kano, and member Kano citizens charter of demands committee, Dr. Auwal Halilu explained that, Hasken Kano is a platform of concerned citizens who have demonstrated passion for the state and Nigeria in general.
He pointed out that, the group comprises of CBOs, CSOs, traditional rulers, PWDs, professional groups, journalists and the academia, working together to develop a strategic advocacy document, to engage critical stakeholders especially aspirants of various political parties, particularly those vying for elective executive and legislative positions in the State.
He said Kano State Government has initiated laudable policies and programs, including the free and compulsory education in state owned primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, the basic healthcare provision fund among others.
Speaking on the passage of the Kano state Persons With Disability Law 2022, state partnership facilitator PERL (ECP), Alhaji Yunusa Hamza said the law would pave way for the establishment of a ministry to cater for PWDs in Kano.
While commending Kano state House of Assembly for the passage of the bill, he charged the state government to expedite action on the speedy assent of the bill to move the state forward.
The event supported by PERL (ECP), witnessed large turn out of the six clusters of people living with special needs across the 44 local government areas.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
