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.
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.
leadership