…. Calls for establishment of Yobe State Commission for Persons With Disabilities
By Lanre Oloyede
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa today distributed rice palliatives to over 1000 beneficiaries in the Northeast geo-political zone of the country, precisely in Yobe State.
This is in continuation of the ongoing phased distribution of rice palliatives to Persons With Disabilities, the vulnerables and People with Special Needs, across the six geo-political zones in the country.
Recall that Hon. Abba Isa on May 23 performed the official flag off of the distribution of the rice palliatives to beneficiaries begining with the North-Central zone in Karu, Nasarawa State where over 1000 PWDs households beneficiaries got 10kg bag of rice each along with cash support, exceeding the initial target of 500 households.
Additionally, the SSAP has initiated distribution of the palliatives within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to various stakeholders, ensuring that the assistance reaches all intended beneficiaries.
In his official address, the presidential aide commended Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni for appointing 15 PWDs in his administration.
Hon. Abba Isa noted that this gesture by the Governor did not only empowered the PWDs but set a commendable precedent for other state governors to follow.
The presidential further appealed to Gov. Buni to consider establishing a State Commission for Persons With Disabilities and appoint a Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
He stated that this will institutionalize support for PWDs, ensuring sustained assistance and aligning Yobe State with the federal vision of a more inclusive society.
“I am proud to announce that my office’s pet project, the Beyond Disability Project, has been adopted by ECOWAS as a regional project for all ECOWAS countries. In partnership with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, this project will empower 5000 PWDs through talent and skill development, providing training, mentorship, and resources to unlock their full potential.
“The Beyond Disability Project launch on June 27 will mark a significant milestone in our journey towards inclusivity. I am honored to lead this initiative, which will have a lasting impact on the lives of PWDs in Nigeria and across the ECOWAS region.
“Together, we build a more inclusive Nigeria where everyone has the opportunity to lead a dignified and fulfilling life. Thank you, and may God bless Yobe State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the presidential aide stated.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Executive Director Network of Yobe Civil Society Organisations, Comr. Baba Shahu, Focal Person to H. E Mai Mala on UN Women who is also the Yobe State coordinator of PYWF Hajia Saratu Sabo. Others are Chairman Joint National Association for Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Yobe State Chapter, Heads of Clusters of Blind, SCIAN, Physical, Deaf and other PWDs Stakeholders.
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