Reactions As Gombe Gov. Appoints Board Members of Gombe Disability Commission

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

22nd February, 2025

The joy of entire persons with disabilities (PWDs) community of Gombe state Knows no boundary Thursday following the exciting news of appointment of Board Members of the newly established "Gombe State Disability Commission" by His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe), the Executive Governor of Gombe state.  

The news of the joyous appointments was made known to members of the public through the office of the Director-General Press Affairs,Government House, Gombe,  Mr.Ismaila Uba Misilli,  in a statement he signed and shared via his official facebook page.

The statement reads partly:

"Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has approved the appointment of board members for the newly established Gombe State Disability Commission" 

"The Secretary to the State Government,  Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi,  who conveyed the governor’s approval, said the development follows the earlier approval and announcement of the Chairman’s appointment by the Governor, on  24th December, 2024"

According to Misilli, "the newly appointed board comprises representatives from across the three senatorial districts namely: Gombe South, Gombe Central and Gombe North senatorial districts.

The Director-General listed the following persons selected across the various  PWDs clusters and some prominent members of the state civil service as duly appointed Members of the Gombe State Disabilty Commission approved by the Governor. Those appointed were:   Muhammad Salisu Abubakar (Gombe North), Fatima Sani Yakubu ( Gombe North),Bala Jibrin Kwali (Gombe Central), Yusuf Yahaya ( Gombe Central), Rebecca Hassan  (Gombe South) and Alheri Nuhu  (Gombe South).

Others are the Permanent Secretaries of Justice, Women Affairs and  Youth Development. 

The board also comprises representives of three females, promoting gender inclusivity, namely: Rabi Bello (Gombe South), Halima Isah (Gombe Central) and Hindatu Mohammed Nura (Gombe North).

Earlier, the inclusive friends Association(IFA) in a heartwarming reaction to the development  congratulates the Executive Governor, His Excellency  Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe state for championing inclusivity in the state throug the appointment of the board members for the Disability Commission in Gombe State. 

"IFA commends the female representation and the spread of members across 3 senatorial zones"  said the IFA's Human Relation department

"This demonstrates inclusivity and commitment to the provision of the Gombe Disability Law" 

Reacting to his appointment as one of the newly appointed and sworn in Board Members, a physically challenged, middle aged man identified as Mohammed Salisu Abubakar wrote: "I want to use this opportunity to thank my family and friends for the love and care you have shown me"

"Last week, I was inaugurated as the Assistant Secretary/Secretary of New Media for the Gombe Network of Civil Society (GONET)"

"Today, I was inaugurated by His Excellency, Alh. Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe), as a permanent member of the Gombe State Disability Commission"

"Please continue to support me and pray for me to successfully discharge my duties. And to all that made it happen i promise you, your efforts will never go in vain" 

On his part, an energitic Deaf  young man and Disabilty Right Advocate known as Comrade Yusuf Yahaya Abubakar expressed immense gratittude to his political mentor  Hon. Alh. Saleh (Dan Masanin Pindida) and His Excellency Gov. Yahaya for finding him worthy of such appointment

His words, "ahead of our official inauguration as the new State Leaders of the Inuwa Action Group tomorrow, I had the privilege of paying a courtesy visit to our esteemed leader, Hon. Alh. Saleh Dan Masanin Pindiga, who also serves as Board member of the Gombe State Housing Corporation, representing Gombe Central"

"I took this opportunity to express my gratitude for his trust in me to serve as the leader of persons with disabilities within this distinguished organization, the Inuwa Action Group. Additionally, I requested him to convey my appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, (Dan Majen Gombe) , for his confidence in me and for appointing me as a member of the State Commission"

He added, "our discussion was insightful and enriching, and I truly benefited from his wisdom and experience. May Allah guide and support us" 

It may be recalled that the Gombe State Governor has approved the establishment of Gombe State Disability Commission on December 23rd, 2024 and appointed Dr. Adamu Ishaq, a lecturer in the political science department of Gombe state University  as the pioneer Executive Chairman of the Commission.

Hon. Umar Jibril Bindawa: A New Breed in Redefining Inclusion for PWDs in Katsina State

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

16th February, 2025

Hon. Umar Jibril Bindawa is certainly a force to reckon with in the ensueing struggle towards the emancipation of PWDs in Katsina state and beyond. The State Coordinator, Katsina State APC Deaf Support Group and a former member of Presidential Campaign Council (PCC) Directorate of PWDs for Tinubu/Shettima as well as Dikko/Jobe Campaign Council Katsina State, is the current Special Assistant (SA) on Disability Matters to the Governor of Kastina state, His Excellency Dr. Dikko Umaru Radda , PhD, CON. 

Prior to his appointment to the rank of the SA on Disability Matters by His Excellency Governor Dikko Umaru Radda on 3rd March, 2024, Hon. Bindawa had a sting with the National Ear Care Centre, kaduna where he served as a Clerical Assistant Audiologist, at the Audiology Department of the centre. He also worked at Katsina State House of Assembly Liaison office/Guest house kaduna where he gained more experience about politics and shaped his administrative skills. 

A Quest Towards An Inclusive Education For All

As part of his efforts to promote access to educational Inclusion for PWDs in Katsina State, Hon. Bindawa recently visited the Katsina State Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education (MBASE), Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa to present a Certificate of appreciation in recognition of her unwavering support and contributions to the successfully concluded "2024 Katsina State First Disabled Summit" which took place during the last year's November.

Hon. Bindawa during a  presentation of certificate of appreciation to Hayiya Zainab Musa Musawa, Commissioner of Education recently 

The visit, Ability News Network understands, was aimed at fostering an effective working collaboration with the Honourable Commissioner's office in order to effectively address all concern on educational barriers, discrimination and other injustice meted against individuals with disabilities in Katsina State. 

"My office has already collaborated with the Honourable Commissioner's esteemed office" Hon. Bindawa said, "and we are actively working on ensuring the implementation of the 5% employment quota for People with disabilities in Katsina State and among others"

The visit to Hon. Commissioner of Education office underscores Hon. Bindawa's uncommon commitment to agitating for promoting educational access and Inclusion for PWDs in the state. 

      Strengthening Collaboration and Partnerships 

In a groundbreaking efforts to strengthen the drive for Inclusion of PWDs in all aspects of the society within the width and breathe of Kastina state, Hon. Bindawa recognize the importance of engaging into working collaboration and partnerships with relevant public and private institutions in order raise more awareness about PWDs and Challenges they faced. 

The latest of such initiatives is the January 3st, 2025 call on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Katsina State headquarters to map out areas of partnership and collaboration with the Katsina NDLEA management.  

 The purpose of the call on NDLEA office, Hon. Bindawa said "was to continue strengthen collaboration and partnerships with the agency while also advocating for the inclusion of Katsina State persons with disabilities (PWDs) in drug law enforcement initiatives" he emphasized that "the Katsina State government, under the leadership of Mallam Umar Dikko Radda, PhD, is committed to improving the welfare and well-being of persons with disabilities"

During the collaborative meeting with the NDLEA's State Commander and his official, Hon. Bindawa used the occasion to highlight key areas that require attention to ensure that PWDs are adequately included in drug prevention and enforcement efforts. These include:

1. Inclusion in Drug Awareness Programs: Ensuring that katsina State PWDs are actively involved in NDLEA’s drug education campaigns.

2. Training for NDLEA Officers: Sensitizing law enforcement personnel on effective engagement strategies with PWDs.

3. Accessible Rehabilitation Services: Advocating for drug rehabilitation programs to be designed in a way that accommodates PWDs.

4. Employment Opportunities: Encouraging NDLEA to create job opportunities for PWDs in drug prevention initiatives.

The Katsina NDLEA Commandant, Muhammad Aminu Abubakar after careful observation of the key partnership demands admitted that the recommendations highlighted by Hon. Bindawa align with the NDLEA’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and effective drug enforcement system, emphasizing that his agency clearly recognize PWDs potential contributions to Drugs preventions and Enforcement efforts.

 He pledge to explore ways to create opportunities within NDLEA’s programs, assuring that the attention of the NDLEA's headquarters would be be fully drawn to ensure that qualified PWDs can participate meaningfully in Drugs Awareness, Community outreach, and Rehabilitation Support Initiatives, the NDLEA's commander also streesed the importance of equipping the NDLEA officers with the necessary Skills to engage effectively with PWDs. 

  "We will Incorporate Disability Inclusion Training into our Capacity-Building Programs" he said.

Hon. Bindawa also extended a partnership hands to a non-profit, Non-Governmental Organization known as "Gwagware Foundation" to further reinforce workable and mutually beneficial collaboration between the Office of the Special Assistant on Disablity Matters and like minded organizations across Katsina State. 

 During the meeting with leaders of the NGO, Hon. Bindawa expressed profound gratitude to the foundation for its unwavering Commitment to Supporting persons with Disabilities. 

He also urged the Foundation to continue prioritizing inclusivity in all its initiatives, ensuring that Persons with Disabilities remain central to its mission.

In response, the chairman of the foundation, Hon. Yusuf Ali Musawa reaffirmed the Foundation’s Dedication to Empowering Persons with Disabilities. He shared details of the Foundation’s planned initiatives for the year and assured that individuals with Disabilities would actively participate in and benefit from all programs. He emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to leaving no one behind.

After sealing the official agreement for Partnership and collaboration between the two groups, an award of excellent was presented to Hon. Bindawa by the Gwagware Foundation in recognition of his exceptional contributions to promoting inclusivity and empowering vulnerable groups. 

These significant initiatives undertaken by the office is Special Assistant to the Governor of Katsina State in Disability Matters, Hon. Bindawa underscores the commitment of the Katsina State Government and its partners to fostering inclusivity and advancing the Welfare of marginalized Groups in Society.

Access to Employment and Entrepreneurship for PWDs in Nigeria: JONAPWD Invite Members of the General Public to Public Hearing in NASS

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe 

9th February, 2025

Abuja FCT- Nigeria. The absymal lack of access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria has been a major concern for organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in Nigeria including the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) headquarters.

In a groundbreaking efforts to address the issue of lack of access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for PWDs in Nigeria, the leadership of JONAPWD national headquarters recently enters into working synergy with MacArthur Foundation​ to engage the House Committee on Disablity Matters, an offshoot of the National Assembly to convene a One- Day Public Hearing on "Access to Employment and Entrepreneurship for PWDs in Nigeria"

This was contained in a statement posted on the JONAPWD official Facebook page Saturday with a caption that reads thus:

"The House Committee on Disability Matters, in partnership with the Joint Nation al Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), with support from the MacArthur Foundation​ invite you to a One-Day Public Hearing" 

"Theme: Access to Employment and Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria​" JONAPWD wrote. 

The Conference according to the JONAPWD statement is expected to hold on Tuesday 11th February by 1:00pm at the Room 201, House of Representative Complex, National Assembly Building, Abuja​.

 

                                                                               Members of the public including PWDs are who are interested in attending the conference and making thier voices heard are encouraged to book their places through the registration Invitation link for the Public Hearing, https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/jV9fa2AzSwutO9H5hR9U7A

The conference, ANN reports is expected to be graced by who is who in the disability community, leaders of various OPDs, Disablity Right Advocates, PWDs of different clusters, honourable members of the NASS, media personals among other stakeholders. 

Katsina Deaf APC Group Applauds Gov. Radda's Outstanding Achievements in Office

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe 

6/2/2025

His Excellency Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD, CON, the Executive Governor of Kastina state has been extolled for performing creditably well in his first tenure in office by a political group under the aegis of  "Katsina State Deaf APC Support Group. 

The leader of the group, Hon Umar Jibril Bindawa who doubled as the Special Assistant to Katsina State Governor on Disablity  Matters, made the commendation  Thursday in a statement he personally signed and made a copy available to ANN.

In the statement, Bindawa described Governor Radda as the beckon of hope for the good people of Katsina State, commending the Governor's magnificent performance in office over a short spell of time.

He said, "the Katsina State APC Deaf Support Group extends our warmest greetings to our Principal, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD, CON, for his unwavering Commitment to the Development of all 34 Local Government Areas in Katsina State"

"Your leadership has become a beacon of hope for the people of Katsina State" 

"Your Dedication to advancing infrastructure, enhancing Welfare, and fostering development is evident in the numerous impactful projects and initiatives you have implemented across the state" Bindawa added. 

The visibly amused Governor's aide highlights key areas of massive transformation he and his group believed to be  the areas Governor Radda had recorded unprecedented success in his short spell as the Governor of Katsina State. 

According to Badawa, "the Governor has successfully transformed the  Infrastructural development of Kastina state through various transformative projects that are gearred towards improving connectivity and accessibility. The state has also seen massive economic empowerment through executing various economic initiatives and  creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods"

In the education sector, Bindawa noted,  "the state has witnessed massive Investments in educational facilities which positively facilitate quality learning across primary, post- primary and tertiary levels"

Hon. Bindawa further praised  Governor Radda for prioritizing the wellbeing of Katsina citizenry through providing adequate healthcare facilities in the state which by far and large helped in expanding access to quality medical Services for all. He also emphasized the group salutation to the Governor for taken concrete steps to ensure the security of the state is guaranteed to the barest minimum, acknowledging the Governor's role in fastracting and strengthening measures to ensure Peace and safety is enjoyed by every single citizen of the State.

Emphasizing the governor's dexterity to entrust the mandate accorded to him by the good people of Katsina State especially with regards to managing scares resources of the state, Bindawa noted, "your philanthropic Character and prudent resource management have earned you Widespread Recognition and Accolades, Further Solidifying your Reputation as a Visionary Leader" 

"To the All Progressives Congress (APC) Katsina State, let us stand United in supporting the vision of His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD, CON, as we work towards securing his Second term term"

 "Together, we can make the Dream of Continued Growth and Development for Katsina State a Reality"

"Congratulations in advance, Your Excellency, on the achievements yet to come under your leadership" Bindawa concluded

We Are Pleading with Gov. Buni to Establish Post-Primary Special Education Centre in Damaturu Capital of Yobe State ~ Idris Dahiru, YOSAD Chairman

 By Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe 

3rd Feb, 2025

Idris Dahiru is the newly elected Chairman of Yobe State Association of the Deaf (YOSAD). In this interview with the Ability News Network CEO Mr. YUSUF MOHAMMED LAWAN, GOMBE, Dahiru spoke about the pressing problems faced by members of Deaf community in Yobe state, measures to ameliarate the problem, urgent necessity for His Excellency Gov. Buni led administration to set up a Post-Primary Special Education School in Yobe state capital (Damaturu) to reduce the lingering hardships parents/guardians of Deaf/Blind children are facing when it come to enrollment of their wards in the available special schools in the state, and other sundry issues. 

Excerpts

ANN; What are your plans for the Yobe state Deaf Association as the new chairman?

Alhamdulillahi for all that. I began with introducing myself. My name is Idris Dahiru from Damagum Local Government Area, yobe state, but I live in Damaturu with wife and children. So after emerging as the new chairman of Yobe State Association of the Deaf (YOSAD), I am here to lead my people to develop our association, I'll do a lot of activities to help our Deaf people in this state. First, we will look into how we can encourage our Deaf children to go to school, provide food to those of us in Deaf community who are suffering from hunger especially during fasting, we will also hustle to lobby the government to build special education school in the state capital of Damaturu, I am working for those who have graduated with a diploma, degree, NCE , most of these people are from Yobe, I will try to contact someone from Abuja or Yobe State government officials to help the Deaf Association in Yobe state to seek our approval for employment and to seek innovation to open our deaf office, God willing.

ANN : What do you think is the biggest challenge/problem facing the Deaf community in Yobe state?

There are so many challenges that we are facing in Yobe state and I just want to give you a list of reasonable ones below; 

1. Unemployment: Some of our students who graduated from various universities ,polytechnics, colleges of education etc gets their graduation certificates in NCE, diploma, HND and degrees, we are always trying to get a job for them but it's very difficult to get a job in government offices. That's why I must put more effort to help them get good works 

2. Socio-economic Challenge:conomic 

Most of the Deaf people in Yobe state are facing socioeconomic problems especially at this time of expensive fuel and essential commodities prices which make it difficult for the deaf people who are mostly poor to afford what they can buy some food in our markets. so I will try to help the Deaf people to get relief items from the North East development commission and other government boards in Damaturu like SEMA to help us in reducing the economic challenges faced by our people

3. Flood Challenge; Most of our houses were destroyed by floods during the heavy rains 5 months ago, which I believe SEMA have a lot to do to provide our flood victims with relief products but it's unfortunate SEMA has forgotten the Deaf in Yobe state, that's why I will try to engage in serious meeting with SEMA Executive secretary. 

4. Absence of Post-Primary Special Education School in Damaturu: 

 Though the Yobe state government has built four special schools in different locations and LGAs in the state namely: Special Education Centre Damagum, Special Education Centre Nguru, Special Education Centre Njuwaje primary school Damaturu and Special Education Centre kwata primary school Potiskum, only Special Education Centre Damagum is a secondary and boarding school and the location of the centre far away from the state capital is making it extremely unbearable and difficult for the parents/caregivers and the Deaf students to extent their studies beyond primary level. That is the reason we are persistently appealing to Yobe state government to, as a matter of urgency, consider establishing a post-primary Special Education School in Damaturu being the state capital to ease the transportation Challenges of our students and promote continuous education within the Deaf community. We have some families who are using the non- availability of post- primary special school in Damaturu as justification for neglecting our Deaf children at home without enrolling them to special schools to quality education.  

5. Lack of Capacity Building Training; Lack of capacity building training especially among the few Deaf workers has been a major cause for concern. Our teaming unemployed Deaf youth in Yobe state are in dire need of training and retraining be it entrepreneurship training, leadership training, life skills training etc in order to up their skills and for unlimited development.

6. Partnership with Sister Organizations:

Seeking the help of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to reduce the pain that affects them.

ANN; Not too long Yobe state governor announced the establishment of Yobe state Disability Commission and the appointment of Chairman of the commission, how did your Deaf people in Yobe state see this development?

I am very happy that Yobe state has taken a big step in the integration of the disability, by appointing Usman Bra Gabai as the new board of the commission for the disability on December 29, 2024, and as the new chairman of the Yobe State Association of the Deaf (YOSAD) I congratulated Usman Burah and he also congratulated me for emerging as the new YOSAD chairman. It has been 4 years of struggling and today we thanks God for leading Governor Buni to consider the significance of disability bill, so the governor has done excellent job for Yobe PWDs, so now as the new leader of the Deaf I will work hands in hands with with Hon. Usman Burah Gabi, chairman of the Commission to see to the greater development of Yobe state disability community. 

ANN; Anything you want the state government to do for your people? What s is that? 

We are grateful to God for giving us victory in the end just concluded election, so we have a new executives of Deaf Association in Yobe state, we want the Yobe state government to prioritize employing our many graduates and also support our YOSAD with office. We also want the government to include the Deaf community in Political appointment such as SA, PA etc. 

Katsina Governor's Aide Pays Homage to Emir of Katsina, Seeks Monarch's Support in Domestication of Disability Commission in Katsina State

 

by Yusuf Mohammed Lawan, Gombe

2nd February, 2025 

Katsina, Nigeria – The Special Assistant on Disablity Matters to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Umar Jibril Bindawa, has paid a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, at his palace in Katsina on Tuesday 28/01/2025. 

 The visit, Ability News Network understands, was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Katsina State Government and traditional institutions in promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the state.

Delivering his remarks to the top monarch during the visit, Hon. Bindawa conveyed warm greetings on behalf of the entire PWDs community and the government of Katsina State, offeres special prayers for the Emir’s continued good health following the monarch  return from a medical trip abroad. 

The Governor's Aide also highlighted some of the ongoing efforts the state government is making through his office to identify and support PWDs communities across the state, ensuring that their needs are adequately addressed through government policies and initiatives.

A key highlight of the discussions was the proposal for the establishment of the Katsina State Disability Commission, which if implemented would institutionalize policies to protect and empower persons with disabilities and see to their full integration in the state. 

Hon. Bindawa further appealed for the Emir’s support in advocating for the commission, emphasizing its significance in fostering inclusivity and ensuring sustainable development for PWDs.

Acknowledging the Emir's long-standing role in fostering peace and harmony in the state and his untiring commitment to promoting inclusivity for PWDs in the state, Hon. Bindawa presented an Award of Gratitude to the Emir, acknowledging his leadership and support for persons with disabilities.

In his swipt response to the visitor's calls on his palace, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina, expressed immense appreciation for the engagement and commended Governor Umar Dikko Radda, Ph.D, CON, for his progressive approach to inclusive governance,  particularly the appointment of the first Deaf Special Assistant on Disablity Matters.

 The Emir reaffirmed his unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of PWDs and assured his commitment to advocating for the swipt establishment of the Proposed Disability Commission in Katsina State.

The Emir also emphasized the inclusive role of Traditional Institutions, assuring that his palace remains open to all and encouraging continued collaboration in addressing challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities. 

He concluded by offering prayers for the success of government initiatives aimed at promoting Social inclusions.

This visit underscores the critical role of Traditional Leadership in advancing inclusive governance, and it marks a significant step in fostering stronger partnerships between the government and key stakeholders in the advocacy for the rights of Persons with Disabilities in Katsina State.