By Yahaya Yusuf Kumo
...Appoints PWD Leader, Dr. Adamu, as Disability Commission Executive Secretary
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has signed into law the Gombe State Disability Protection Bill 2024, paving the way for the establishment of the Gombe State Disability Commission.
This landmark law establishes a framework for the empowerment and inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs), ensuring social justice, protecting their rights and well-being, and promoting accessibility and participation in society as equal citizens.
In a press statement released to newsmen by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, the signing of the bill was described as a major milestone in the state’s efforts to foster inclusivity and equity.
During the signing ceremony at the Government House, Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced the appointment of Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (Gombe State Chapter), as the Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission.
“The establishment of the Disability Commission will serve as a platform to address the needs and aspirations of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities,” the Governor said.
He remarked that since assuming office, he has been committed to supporting the growth of the PWD community. He highlighted his previous appointments of Special Advisers and Special Assistants to coordinate PWD activities and serve as a liaison between the community and the government.
The Governor also used the occasion to inform the disability community about his directives for the renovation and remodeling of the state’s only Special School. Additionally, he announced plans to build two more Special Schools, ensuring each senatorial district has one.
Governor Yahaya commended members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their dedication in passing the bill and acknowledged the contributions of advocacy groups and stakeholders who championed the cause.
Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, noted that the House had meticulously scrutinized every aspect of the bill to ensure its alignment with the aspirations of the PWD community.
Responding on behalf of the disability community, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Disability Commission, Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, expressed his gratitude to the Governor for fulfilling a promise made to the PWDs during the 2019 election campaign.
“Today, you’ve set a record. I remember when we met with you during the electioneering campaign, you promised that this bill would become a reality. And here it is today—we have witnessed this historic moment of signing it into law,” he said.
“This commission will, among other things, promote education, healthcare, and the overall well-being of persons with disabilities. Fifteen years ago, we presented the same bill to the State House of Assembly, and it was rejected. Today, it has been passed and assented to. We will never forget this historic moment. We thank the Governor, the State House of Assembly, and other relevant stakeholders for making this possible,” Dr. Adamu added.
Dr. Adamu noted that by signing the bill into law, Gombe has become the second state in the Northeast geo-political region to achieve this milestone. He assured the Governor that he would work tirelessly to ensure support from the World Bank and other development partners for the commission’s activities.
The new Executive Secretary of the Disability Commission, Dr. Adamu, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, Gombe State University.
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