Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has signed the Disability Protection Bill into law, marking a major milestone in the state’s efforts to promote inclusivity and protect the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
The law, signed on Saturday, establishes the Yobe State Disability Commission, which will oversee the implementation of the law’s provisions and address the needs of PWDs across the state.
As part of this development, Governor Buni appointed Usman Bra Gabai, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Yobe State, as the Acting Chairman of the newly created commission.
The Disability Protection Bill aims to empower PWDs by creating a legal framework to promote their full participation in society and protect their rights. It mandates the removal of barriers to accessibility and ensures equal opportunities in education, employment, healthcare, transportation, and other essential sectors.
Civil society organizations, including the Advocacy for Disability Act Cluster (ADAC), have lauded the governor’s action, describing it as a groundbreaking step toward the inclusion and empowerment of PWDs in Yobe State.
The Disability Commission has been tasked with key responsibilities, including:
Ensuring accessibility in public and private buildings.
Monitoring compliance with disability rights legislation.
Advocating for the inclusion of PWDs in decision-making processes.
Supporting skills development and economic empowerment initiatives for PWDs.
The establishment of the commission positions Yobe State as a leader in disability inclusion in Nigeria, with advocates expressing hope that this initiative will inspire other states to take similar actions to promote the rights and welfare of PWDs.
Yusuf Ali, Senior Special Assistant on Digital and Strategic Communication, stated that the new law and the commission reflect the governor’s commitment to creating an inclusive society where no one is left behind.
Civil society organizations have pledged their support to ensure the effective implementation of the law, while PWDs in the state expressed optimism about the positive changes this development will bring to their lives.
