Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya has signed the Disability Protection Bill into law, creating a commission to address the needs of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
The signing ceremony was held on Monday at the Government House in Gombe, where the governor also announced the appointment of Dr. Ishaku Adamu, a senior lecturer in the Department of Political Science at Gombe State University, as the commission’s inaugural Executive Secretary.
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting the PWD community and highlighted various initiatives implemented since taking office. These include appointing a Special Adviser and Special Assistants to coordinate activities and strengthen communication between the government and PWDs.
He also unveiled plans to expand educational opportunities for PWDs, directing the renovation and remodeling of the state’s only Special School and pledging to build two additional Special Schools, ensuring each senatorial district has access to such facilities.
“The Disability Commission will serve as a platform to address the needs and aspirations of our brothers and sisters living with disabilities,” Yahaya said, while praising the Gombe State House of Assembly and advocacy groups for championing the bill.
Adamu Adamu, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Gombe State, described the law as a landmark achievement.
“Today, history is made,” Adamu said. “Fifteen years ago, we presented the same bill to the State House of Assembly, but it was rejected. Now, it has been passed and signed into law.
“This commission will advance education, healthcare, and overall well-being for persons with disabilities.”
Adamu thanked the governor for fulfilling his campaign promise and acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the State House of Assembly and other stakeholders in making the bill a reality.
Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Luggerewo, emphasized the legislature’s commitment to ensuring the bill reflects the aspirations of the PWD community.
“We carefully examined every aspect of the bill to ensure it aligns with the interests of persons with disabilities,” Luggerewo stated.