By Ben Ngwakwe
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, signed into law disability protection bill, appointed Executive Secretary to superintend the commission.
Our correspondent reports that the assent heralds the establishment of a commission which will take care of Gombe State with disabilities.
Dr Ishiyaku Adamu, a senior lecturer at the department of Political Science, Gombe State University was appointed to steer the commission.
The governor remarked that since coming onboard, he has been supporting the growth of the PWDs community, saying he previously appointed Special Adviser and Special Assistants to coordinate the activities of the PWDs and serve as liaison between them and the government.
Yahaya informed the disability community of his recent directives for the renovation and remodeling of the only Special School in the state, adding that his administration will build two additional Special Schools so each senatorial district can have one.
The governor commended members of the Gombe State House of Assembly for their commitment in passing the bill and acknowledged the contributions of advocacy groups and stakeholders who championed the cause.
Yahaya said, “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.”
Speaking, Gombe State Chairman Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities Adamu, lauded the governor, for prioritising the PWDs in the state.
He said, “Today, you’ve set a record. I remember when we met with you during the electioneering campaign you made a promise that this bill would become a reality. And here it is today, we have witnessed this historic moment of signing it into law.
“This commission will among others, promote education, healthcare and the well-being of persons with disabilities. Fifteen years ago, we took 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 history. We thank the Governor, the State House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders for making this possible.”
On his part, Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Luggerewo, noted that the House had meticulously scrutinised every aspect of the bill to ensure its passage aligned with the aspirations of the Persons with Disabilities community.
