By Lanre Oloyede
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Mohammed Abba Isa, has engaged the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umar Radda, on the need to assent to the Katsina State Disability Bill.
The meeting, held during the SSA’s official visit to the state, forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to promote inclusion and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking after the engagement, Hon. Abba Isa disclosed that discussions with the governor focused on critical issues affecting persons with special needs, particularly the urgency of signing the pending disability bill into law.
He noted that Governor Radda reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the bill receives assent.
The presidential aide was accompanied by a delegation of stakeholders and advocates, including Hon. Ya’u Rufa’i Zakka, Comrade Adam Magaji, Hon. Abubakar Aliyu Galadunchi, Hon. Isah Miqdad AD Saude, Comrade Nasir Dauda, Comrade Dahiru Gambo APC Zonal Leader for PWDs Northwest, Hajjara Shuaibu Founder CEO afnan inclusive Support Care Foundation, Lt. Hudu Usman Rtd. SSA to the Governor of Katsina State among other stakeholders.
As part of his engagements, Hon. Abba Isa also met with the First Lady of Katsina State, Zulaihat Dikko Umar Radda, as well as the Chief Judge of the state, Musa Danladi Abubakar.
He expressed optimism over the state government’s disposition toward inclusive governance, noting the First Lady’s willingness to partner on initiatives that promote disability inclusion.
The visit also provided an opportunity for the SSA to commiserate with the governor over the death of his mother, Hajia Safar’u Barebari.
The Senior presidential aide further extended solidarity to communities in Katsina State and across Northern Nigeria affected by insecurity.
A major highlight of the trip was his participation in the maiden edition of the Governor Dikko Umar Radda Para Games School Competition.
The event showcased the abilities and resilience of students from special schools, underscoring the importance of inclusive platforms in education and sports.
The SSA described the competition as a strong reflection of inclusion in action, adding that such initiatives would continue to receive federal support.
The visit, he said, reinforces collaboration between the Federal Government and Katsina State in advancing policies and programmes that promote the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
