Gombe renews commitment to disability inclusion

Gombe State government has renewed its commitment to ensure inclusivity of persons with disabilities in its policies, programmes and projects with a view to fostering justice for all in the state.

State commissioner for women affairs and social development, Asma’u Iganus, made this known on Tuesday during the commemoration of the 2024 International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) in the state organised by the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Gombe State chapter.

She said the state governor, Inuwa Yahya, as part of efforts to empower persons with disabilities sent an executive bill tagged ‘Persons with Disability Bill to the state house of assembly for passage into law, noting that it was already passed by the lawmakers and is about to be assented to by the governor.

According to her, the bill has also proposed the establishment of Gombe State Disability Protection Commission.

In his remarks, the state chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Adamu Ishaku, who led the celebrations, emphasised the need to mainstream disability needs into state policies and programmes in order to harness the potential of their members to contribute meaningfully to its development and ensure that no one is left behind.

Ishaku hailed the passage of the persons with disabilities protection bill in the state saying it will give his members the opportunity to thrive and contribute towards the development of the society without hindrance or discrimination.