RAMADAN: Gov. Inuwa Yahaya Distributes Food Palliatives to PWDs in Gombe

Gombe State Governor, His Excellency Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe) has distributed large quantity of food palliatives to persons with disabilities across the state yesterday. 

The palliatives distribution exercise, according to the Gombe State Media Corporation (GMC) correspondent, Sa'adu Abubakar Kumo, took place at the headquarters of Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities ( GSCPWD) in the presence of who is who in the disability community of Gombe state. 

Flagging off the exercise in Gombe, the Executive Chairman of the commission, Ishiyaku Adamu, said the packages include rice and sugar, which will be shared among various disability clusters.

Mr Adamu thanked the Governor  Inuwa Yahaya, for what he described as his consistent support for persons with disabilities in the state

He urged leaders responsible for the distribution to ensure fairness and transparency, noting that monitoring committees had been set up to oversee the process.

Mr Adamu also warned that strict measures would be taken against anyone found diverting the items.

Some members of the commission, including Salisu Abubakar and Bala Jibrin Zanna, praised the leadership of the commission’s chairman and commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his concern for the welfare of persons with disabilities.

They also urged beneficiaries to continue praying for the success of the governor’s administration.

In their remarks, the State Chairman of the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, Abdullahi Bello, alongside other cluster leaders, thanked the commission for extending the support to their members, especially during the month of Ramadan.

They pledged the continued support of their members to the commission and the state government.

Also speaking the Gombe state APC disabled leader Hon Yakubu Ahmed said the food pallative distribution to their members is commendable, thanked Governor lnuwa Yahaya for the inclusion of their members in the Ramadan pallative distribution, described it as a concern for the disabled community in the state.

After the flag off, leaders of the disables took their concession to their respective Local Government Areas for onward distribution to their respective members at the grassroot areas. 

Source: Gombe State Media Corporation (GMC)

Strengthening Institutional Capacity: NNAD Convenes Two -Day Capacity Building Workshop for National Excos, BoTs (KEY TAKEAWAYS)

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

20th February, 2026

Abuja, FCT -Nigeria. The National Headquarters of Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) has, as part of its ongoing effort to enhencing administrative performance and Strengthening governance for effective service delivery  within its ranks, convened a state-of-the-art capacity building training for the National Executives members, National Board of Trustees (BoTs) and secretarial staff in FCT, Abuja. 

The high level intensive capacity building training engagement was conducted inside the Class Suites Hotel premise, Off Obafemi Awolowo Way, Jabi, Abuja from 16th to 17th February, 2026  This training is designed to equip executives with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively drive positive change in their communities.

The training according to the Project  Director, Mal. Aliyu Mai, focuses on seven  key areas:, including governance versus management roles, financial oversight in underfunded projects, accountability and transparency standards, safeguarding obligations, and compliance expectations for internationally funded NGOs, which are a driving forces for achieving  uptimum service delivery by means of developing strategic approaches to advocacy, improving work and relationship ethics among Excos and members alike, as well as  strengthening Institutional grant accessibility, decision making process, among other important benefits. The  participants were  empowered to make a greater impact in their work as respectable leaders of NNAD in line with international best practices.

This training, Ability News Network understands,  is a vital investment in the capacity of NNAD leaders in Nigeria and is expected to have a lasting and positive impact on the thriving Deaf communities they serve.

Speaking during the event, the lead facilitator Dr. ThankGod Okosun emphasized the urgent need for NNAD to develop a Board manual to guide tenure, accountability, and operational procedures in line with international standards, warning that the absence of such vital policies could create governance challenges within the NNAD. 

He also drew the attention of the NNAD leaders on the importance of  accountability in archiving organizational and institutional goal.

Earlier in his remarks, the immediate past  Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. James Lalu called for the complete overhauling of the NNAD's constitution to create room for assemilating new strategic ideas, urging that a formal  review to various aspects of the NNAD's Constitution is sacrosanctly necessary in order to recognize the grant-sourcing efforts of Secretarial staff. 

In their separate speeches, the National President of NNAD, Malam Haruna Muhammad Tsafe, expressed immense gratitude to the training facilitators for their concerns and impactful efforts towards the development of NNAD, he encouraged the trainees  to fully utilize the knowledge garnered thereof and strive to ensure full scale implementation of  the training is fully realised.  Mr. Uche Andrew, a representive of the  JONAPWD, further urged the participants to embrace learning, using the analogy of an egg to illustrate the nurturing of knowledge.

Also speaking, Mr. Theophilus,,,,a Representative of the Disability Rights Fund (DRF) Africa, emphasized the DRF’s commitment to strengthening the capacity of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Africa.

MAJOR TAKEAWAYS:

 The training pave way for the following major decisions to be extensively deliberated: 

LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE: The capacity of the participants were built on the undaniable notion that the President serves as the head of the NNAD's Secretariat, while the management team (Secretariat staff) functions as the technocrates and permanent arm of the organization. The Programme Director was identified as the operational head responsible for managing budgets and financial resources, while the President remains accountable to the Board.

A BIG MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB: The attention of the trainees were duly drawn on the  common denominator which constitute a big mountain to climb on NNAD's journey to accessing projects funding. The lack of audit reports has been identified as a major huddle in the process to access conventional project funding within and outside the nation. Poor transparency, including selective reporting, resistance to audits, undocumented decisions, and concentration of financial information in a single individual has also been identified as the red flag militating against the progress of NNAD in the financial aspect. 

A CRISIS OF INSTITUTIONAL INDISCIPLINE: 

 The trainees were further equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge required to address the challenges of institutional corruption, nepotism, gross indiscipline etc through the instrumentality of developing stronger organizational safeguarding and unbiased zero tolerance for unacceptable conducts and behavior on the side of those entrusted with leadership roles within the NNAD.

The facilitator also used the occasion to share  that internal systems alone are insufficient without a strong organizational culture, adding that leadership must set the tone through zero tolerance for corruption, clear reporting lines, protection for whistleblowers, and performance systems tied to compliance. He concluded that zero tolerance for misconduct must be operationalized and that safeguarding should remain a standing agenda item for leadership, emphasizing that safeguarding is about protection rather than merely avoiding scandal.

THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE: 

At the concluded section of the two-day capacity building  programme, the trainees collectively took a safeguarding oath as a demonstration of their total commitment towards upholding ethical standards, a promise to protect vulnerable members of the association, and refrain from any form of exploitative behavior or abuse of power. 

HOPE FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THE DEAF:

The outcome of the all-important programme, according to NNAD leadership, is expected to equip the organization with essential skills and structures needed to strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and promote sustainable development. It is hoped that the knowledge garnered by the National Excos and National BoTs would be utilized judiciously in the day to day running of the affairs of Deaf community in Nigeria and serve as a guiding light and principles for upcoming generation to emulate and upheld for the overall development and progress of NNAD.

The training was graced by the top heirachy of NNAD including the Chairman of the NNAD Board of Trustees, Chief Zubairu Mamman Isah Dugu, Board members Alhaji Usman Nahuche and Mr. Laurence Idemodia, NNAD National Excos lead by the National president Mal. Haruna Muahammad Tsafe, Project Director, Mal. Aliyu Mai, JONAPWD representative, Mr. Uche Andrew, DRF Africa representative, Mr. Theophilus,, former Executive Secretary NCPWD, Dr. James Lalu, among others

RAMADAN: X-Future Music Group Distributes Food Items to Gombe PWDs Community, Pledge to Allocate Special Budget for PWDs in Gombe

 

By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

20th February, 2026

In a groundbreaking push towards championing inclusion for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and ensuring their overall progress and development in the wider society, the management of the X-Future Music Group, a committed and dedicated music company in Nigeria has come up with a specially disigned, PWDs-focused empowerment initiative - which is essentially geared towards putting smiles on the faces of PWDs by providing them with assorted relief items to cushion the effect of the lingering economic challenge facing them as one of the most vulnerable group in the society especially during this holy month of Ramadan. 

The empowerment according to the Ability News Network (ANN) reporter was borne out of the group undying resolve to give back to society and support the most neglected and vulnerable segment of the society.

In a conversation with the ANN, the Team Manager of the company, Mr. Omuofa Ejiro Blessing, emphasized the objective of his organization and what the company aim to achieve as one of the vibrant and major employer of labour in Nigeria. 

He stated, “‎X Future Music Group (XM) is a globally renowned music company founded in 2005 and headquartered in Los Angeles, USA. Its core businesses encompass music production, artist development, music promotion, and other music-related industries”

‎‎”Our goal in Nigeria is very clear: we want every employee to earn a stable, genuine, and sustainable income through XM's music business. At the same time, we can grow together with the company and become part of the world-class music industry. Please rest assured that XM is a multinational company with a 20-year history of development and holding legal qualifications worldwide”

‎”It is crucial to remember: XM is a job, and all income is earned through labor and work performance. It is not an investment platform”

‎

Cross section of the beneficiaries awaiting to receive their share of the food items packages

On shifting the focus to PWDs, Mr. Omuola expressed delight and gratitude to his staff for supporting the initiative, saying “I'm really happy that my organization have it in mind to touch these set of people and hope to do more in the future. These are set of people that need the help of every individual in the country,and our main aim is to assist them in our little way”

He added, “this is the first time of holding such events with this set of people. My organization will do everything possible to make sure we  include them in our budget so as to ensure we always reach out to them. We will enlighten the person that the disabled people are part of us and must handle them with care and love by doing so they will feel love”

Reacting to the persistent challenge anyone desiring to handle the affairs of persons  with disablities could face especially the hearing and speech impaired among them, Mr. Omuofa lamented that “It may be very difficult to really communicate with them but it is better if one can look for an interpreter that will go a long way”

“I have not been really updated about their story but I try as much as possible to put more attention to their matter.  I'm happy right now for my organization to approve this charity welfare so as touch their lives. We hope to keep touch people with disabilities in the city of Gombe” he concluded.

The food items distribution programme underscores the X-Future Music Group's commitment to alleviating the suffering of the poor and needy especially PWDs who have been at the receiving end of gross societal neglect. The event was attended by various leaders and members of disability community of Gombe state cutting across different clusters of PWDs who thronged in front of Joy Academy, Buba shongo street to witness the distribution of assorted food items including the packages of spaghetti, bags of rice, cartoons of Maggi cube, detergents and cooking oils to over 50 benefiaries.

Sub-section of PWDs listening with raft attention during the engagement 

Promoting Inclusivity for PWDs in Film Industry; DADI Began Hunt for Deaf Actress

 

By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan,  Gombe

1st. February, 2026

In a bid to promote the full  inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream film industry, the Discovering Ability in Disabilities (DADI) is seeking for a talented Deaf (female) actress to play a Deaf role in an upcoming sign language laden film titled “Inclusivity.” which is expected to make round  soon.

This was announced by the immediate past National Youth Leader (NYL) of Nigerian National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Comrade Ebuka Okeke in a statement he signed and shared on his social media (Facebook) page seeing by the Ability News Network (ANN) correspondent on Sunday. 

In a statement Ebuka emphasized that the upcoming film seeks to enlighten the audience on what the disablity law ratified by the Nigerian state entails, educate the society on the terrible plights faced by persons with disabilities wherever they are, provide discerning understanding of disabilities.

 His words “the film focuses on promoting practical inclusion and raising awareness about the Discrimination (Prohibition) Act 2018. It will feature top Nollywood stars and aims to advocate for disability rights through media and entertainment”

“If you are a Deaf actress ready to be part of this impactful project, we would love to hear from you” he added.

To be eligible for the juicy role of Deaf actress in the impending film, Okeke noted that any interested Deaf lady who considers herself as an experienced Deaf actress, or an amateur one who seeks to develop her skills in the movie genre, should without any hastitation send her details comrising short introduction and expressions of interest to  +234 806 900 3837 (Whatsapp) before 2nd February 2026.

Humanitarian A. A Zaura Convene Maiden Disability Summit, Distributes 5,000 Empowerment Forms to PWDs in Kano State

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

Published on 3rd Jan, 2026

A frontline Kano politian who is also a seasoned philanthropist and humanitarian of note, Alh. Abdulsalam Abdulkarim Zaura (fondly called by his supporters as A.A Zaura) has in a groundbreaking effort to promote the full integration and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the mainstream society and facilitate their active participation in the economic advancement for achieving sustainable self-reliance, recently convened a state-of-the-art and  first-of-its kind Disability Summit tagged in Kano State.

The empowerment initiative, Ability News Network(ANN) reports witnessed a remarkable turnout of over 5,000 participants, comprising dignitaries, community leaders,  different clusters of PWDs and representatives from all the 44 Local Government Areas that itmake up the Kano State, who converged to celebrate this milestone event.

Confirming the development to ANN correspondent, the A. A Zaura Foundation Director of  Disabilities Affairs,  Hon Adnan Ali Daneji expressed immense gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the seasoned philanthropist and Frontline Kano politian for his affection to the PWDs community of Kano State. 

He admitted that  the programme has indeed achieved the intende objective of making life bearable and better for the PWDs, stating that the "event was concluded on a high note, with A.A Zaura being accorded a special commendation for his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with disabilities in Kano State"

A pivotal aspect of the summit, Hon. Adnand Ali Daneji noted,  "was the ceremonial distribution of 5,000 application forms for aid and self-reliance initiatives"

"These forms were strategically designed to empower persons with disabilities and promote their socio-economic inclusion" he said.

The  prominent politician from Kano State, A.A. Zaura is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and was the party's senatorial candidate for Kano Central in the 2023 elections. Zaura is known for his philanthropic work, particularly in education and youth empowerment. He recently offered a N200m scholarship to 10,000 Kano State students through his AA Zaura Foundation 

Zaura has also been vocal about reducing corruption and promoting issue-based politics. He's a strong advocate for politicians to have personal businesses or occupations before seeking elective office, believing it reduces corrupt tendencies 

Recently, he's been gaining traction as a potential gubernatorial candidate, with many praising his leadership and humanitarian initiatives.

The summit culminated in a solemn prayer session, earnestly invoking divine protection, peace, and security for Kano State, amidst the prevailing challenges.

NEW YEAR: ASAD Visit Orphanage, Donate Food Iems, Cash

 By Ability News Network

Published on 2nd Jan, 2026

In a significant step to mark the commemoration of the new year (2026) celebration a truely memorable occasion and one that fosters  love, kindness and philanthropic gesture to the lessprevilaged members of the society, the members of  Adamawa State Association of the Deaf (ASAD) had on Thursday paid a solidarity visit to Saint Suzana orphanage Home located at Kwanan Waya Yola south, to cheers up the new year picnic with the teen orphans and put everlasting smiles on their faces at this moment of stiffer economic meltdown rocking the country.

The visit, Ability News Network gathered is part of the ASAD's social support to the most vulnerable and economically downtrodden members of the society, a community -based engagement initiative projected by ASAD leadership which is geared towards making meaningful contributions to societal development in Adamawa state. 

Speaking during the engagement the ASAD chairman Mr. Colman Christopher praised the Almighty God for the opportunity to breath through the new year -amid thougher insecurity and economic challenges facing everyone in the country. 

Mr. Christopher who showed immense enthusiasm and admiration to the children well being and development,  commended the efforts of the matron, who dedicates her entire life, time, resources, and energy to cater for the children, and prayed that God would richly bless her and her entire team and reward her labor.

"These children deserve love and assistance from the community, their lack of parents doesn't diminish their worth" He said.

The kindhearted gesture demonstrated by the ASAD current leadership under the indefatigable guidance of Mr. Christopher has been praised and appreciated by several figures in the community of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) not only in Adamawa State but also the entire north east sub region.

The items  donated by the Adamawa State Association of the Deaf (ASAD) to the ophans including foodstuffs, drinks, and cash to support the vulnerable children.  

The year 2025 has been an eventful year for the thriving Deaf community of Adamawa State, thanks to the dedicated leadership style of the current ASAD Excos under the able mentorship of Mr. Christopher whom many members sees as a messiah whose tenure brings various development to the Deaf community in the state including lobbying the state government to provide start up capital to boost entrepreneurship growth within the Deaf community, successful conduction of 5th Conference of the Deaf/Second North East Summit, hustling for empowerment of Deaf individuals through capacity building training in areas of tailoring, catering, phone repairs among others.

Taraba SA Lauds Gov. Kefas on Disability Inclusion, Infrastructural Development

  

By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

Published on 2nd December, 2025

Jalingo, Taraba State - The Special Assistant to Gov. Agbu Kefas on Community Security, Hon. Ishola Abraham has lauded the unprecedented giant strides recorded by the administration of His Excellency Gov. Agbu Kefas which the Governor achieved within a short spell of his stewardship in office and which culminated in rapid infrastructural development recorded so far  in various sectors of the state economy. 

Hon. Abraham made the commendation Tuesday in a telephone conversation with the Ability News Network correspondent as part of his gigantic efforts towards creating more awareness and enlightment about the Governor's people-oriented policies and Inclusive leadership credentials that distinguished him out as the best among the best Governors in the country who prioritized the full inclusion and integration of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all aspects of governmental policies and programmes. 

The Governor's aide who was too excited to let the world know that Taraba State government is making strides in supporting persons with disabilities, recounted how  Gov. Kefas has initiated several projects and bills to promote inclusivity and accessibility for PWDs in the state.

He stated, "the entire community of  persons with disabilities in Taraba State are indeed blessed with such a caring, lovial, listening and ever focusing leader in person of His Excellency Governor Agbu Kefas, a man who is sent by Almighty God to shade the tears of PWDs and other vulnerable groups in the state by putting smiles on their faces"

 Commenting on the much awited potential establishment of Tarba State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the visibly amused governor's aide was full of Hope and expectation the government efforts to implement the project would eventually become a reality. 

"We are deeply hopeful that sooner than later our state,  Taraba State under our able leader His Excellency Gov Agbu Kefas will join Gombe and Yobe States as the states in the North East  zone fully domesticating the disability law into operation. The positive side is everything on  Oct 2024,  the State House of Assembly had passed the bill through its second reading, advancing it toward assent. It’s now officially enacted.   The law creates a Disability Commission to protect rights, promote inclusion in education, health, employment, and economic empowerment for all Tarabans with disabilities" 

According to him, the bill's passages is a result of efforts to domesticate the National Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities ( Prohibition)Act, 2018, Which was signed into law by the  former president Muhammadu Buhari.

Hon Ishola Abraham SA on Disability Affairs to Governor Agbu Kefas second from the left planked by some officials of Taraba state government and PWDs members 

The Act prohibits discrimination against PWDs and provides for their full integration into society. While good progress has been made, there is still  need for continued advocacy and implementation to ensure the rights of PWDs are protected and promoted in Taraba State, the governor's aide noted. 

Emphasizing the myriads of PWD-centred policies and programmes exceuted and implemented by the  Governor Kefas led administration which  make life more enjoyable and bearable to PWDs in Taraba State, the governor's aide commended the governor for championing Inclusive education and healthcare stating that adequate provisions are being made for sign  language interpreters in hospital and distribution of large chunk of Braille books in avaiable special schools across the state.

"The administrations Free Education policy has provided significant relief for parents, guardians of students with disabilities, allowing them to redirect resources to other needs" he said.

On the  economic empowerment, Hon. Abraham scored the governor high, acknowledging his immense contributions to strengthening economic growth of PWDs in the state which come up  through several intiatives aimed at promoting economic inclusion, including affirmative action quotas in public service and entrepreneurship schemes.

Re-emphasizing his admiration and commitment to promoting Gov. Kefas people-centred policies anywhere, Hon. Abraham stated, "as an aide to the governor,I work closely with the governor's aides and policy makers in Taraba State to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for PWDs"

"This enable us to build  strong relationships, which  is very crucial, indeed I have been fortunate to have a supportive team"

He added, "through this working  partnership that leave no one behind, we were able encourage PWDs athletes to actively participate in sports, improve security of life amid intense insecurity challenges rocking the country, ensuring safer access to public space and service for PWDs in the state"

Hon. Ishola Abraham from the left during one of his engagements as an SA to His Excellency Gov Agbu Kefas

"These efforts demonstrate the governor's commitment to creating a More inclusive and support environment to pwds in Taraba State"

Taraba state is making progress in addressing the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDS).The state government has taken a significant  step by passing a bill to establish the Taraba State persons living with disability commissione: this commissione aims to promote inclusivity, accessibility,and equal opportunities for pwds in education, healthcare, employment,and social life.

Major Challenges and Expectations:

Having borne all these commendations to the state government under the indefatigable guidance of His Excellency Gov Agbu Kefas, PWDs in Taraba State still expect more engagement from the authorities and other policy makers in the state in order to effectively address the lingering problem of limited resources which hinders implementation of initiatives and programs for PWDs, limited awareness and understanding of PWDs needs, insufficient data collection which make  planning and monitoring progress difficult, lack of stakeholders engagement. 

The need for  enhanced accessibility in public buildings roads, and transportation systems to ensure PWDs can move freely and participate fully in the society is of paramount impotance. Other important priority areas that may facilitate the fuller inclusion and integration of PWDs in the mainstream society according to Hon. Abraham may include the initiation of more economic empowerment policies and opportunities such as: grants loan, and job placements, strengthening healthcare services for PWDs through provision of assistive devices and rehabilitation programs, support caregivers, massive awareness and sensitization programmes, adequate  representation, prompt establishment of Disability Commission and other important measures can significantly improve the quality of life for PWDs in Taraba State.

A dedicated aide and an uncompromised  loyalist and  true admirer of his principal,  Hon. Abraham remained defiently  unpurturbed and admant to his unalloyed support to Gov. Kefas people-centred administration, reiterating his resolve to forever remain on the governor's side and service through thick and sand.

" As an aide, my role is to serve the governor, and if he is moving to the APC ,I will likely follow him.It is about supporting his vision and work, regardless of the party politics. The impact on my role? Guess we will see how things pan out,but I'm ready for whatever come from the governor" he said finally.