By Muhammad Amaan
The Chairman of the AMG Foundation and the Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) said they would review the Kano State Persons with Disabilities (Amendment No. 1) Law, 2022.
This was contained in a statement issued by V-PeSDI after a meeting between the Chairman of AMG Foundation, Dr Aminu Magashi Garba and the V-PeSDI Coordinator, Mr Aftahana Dahiru Sarina.
The statement issued by V-PeSDI Coordinator, Aftahana Sarina, said the proposed amendment seek to strengthen the capacity of persons with disabilities in Kano State, to fully participate in governance and leadership.
He stated that during the meeting, both parties identified key areas requiring advocacy and proposed amendments to enhance the effectiveness and inclusiveness of the law.
Mr Sarina mentioned the proposed areas for amendment to include: “Part 4, Section 19(3): The law currently states that the Commission shall be under the Office of the Governor.
“However, it is proposed that the Commission be supervised by the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, in line with the recent restructuring of the Ministry to include a dedicated department for persons with disabilities.
“Capacity Building: The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should play a supportive role in capacity-building initiatives for persons with disabilities.
“Part 4, Section 20: The representative of persons with disabilities should come from four Emirates instead of five, as previously stated.
“Board Representation: The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Kano State Social Protection Agency should each have representation on the Commission’s Board.
“Leadership Structure: The head of the Commission should serve as the Executive Chairman.
“Additional Representation: There should be two slots for NGOs promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities in Kano State. In addition, the Ministry of Internal Security and the Police should also be represented among the Board members.
“Secretary/Legal Adviser: The Secretary/Legal Adviser of the Commission should be posted from the Ministry of Justice.”
The V-PeSDI coordinator added that the review and implementation of the proposed amendments will enable the Kano State Government to strengthen the Kano State Commission for Persons with Disabilities and ensure improved welfare, inclusion, and well-being of persons with disabilities across the state.
“These efforts are expected to address existing bottlenecks and promote a more inclusive governance structure for persons with disabilities in Kano State,” he added.
Sarina also announced a stakeholders meeting will be convened to discuss the proposals.
