In a groundbreaking move, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has signed the Gombe State Disability Protection Bill 2024 into law. The new legislation establishes the Gombe State Disability Commission, marking a significant milestone in promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The law creates a comprehensive framework to empower and include PWDs, ensuring social justice, accessibility, and their active participation in society. It is a bold step toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of this community.
At the signing ceremony held at the Government House, Governor 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 newly established commission. “The Disability Commission will address the needs and aspirations of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities,” the Governor stated. He highlighted his administration’s ongoing efforts to support the PWDs community, including the appointment of Special Advisers and Assistants to serve as liaisons between PWDs and the government. Governor Yahaya also unveiled plans to renovate and remodel the state’s only Special School, along with the construction of two additional Special Schools—one in each senatorial district. He commended the Gombe State House of Assembly for its dedication in passing the bill and acknowledged the efforts of advocacy groups and stakeholders who championed the initiative. Rt. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, emphasized the rigorous review process undertaken to ensure the bill aligned with the aspirations of the PWDs community. Dr. Ishiyaku Adamu, the newly appointed Executive Secretary, expressed his gratitude to Governor Yahaya for fulfilling a promise made during the 2019 election campaign. “Today, you’ve set a record,” Dr. Adamu stated. “Fifteen years ago, this same bill was rejected by the State House of Assembly. Today, it has not only been passed but also signed into law. We will never forget this historic moment.”
Dr. Adamu pledged to lead the commission in promoting education, healthcare, and overall well-being for PWDs. He also assured that efforts would be made to secure support from the World Bank and other development partners for the commission’s activities. By enacting this law, Gombe State becomes the second state in Nigeria’s Northeast region to establish such a framework. Dr. Adamu, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Gombe State University, is poised to lead this transformative initiative.