By Muhammad Amaan
The Vulnerable People Support and Development Initiative (V-PeSDI) has engaged the Kano State Government, advocating for inclusive governance and Disability Law Reform.
V-PeSDI Coordinator, Aftahana Dahiru Sarina, alongside members of the V-PeSDI Coordination Group Malam Salisu Yusuf, Hafsat Adamu Idris, Amatulmannan Mikaeel Ishaq, had presented Letter of Recognition during an advocacy visit to the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Special Needs, Hajiya Amina Sani Abdullahi (HOD) on Monday in her office.
During the meeting, the team emphasized the importance of amending key provisions of the Kano State Persons with Disabilities Law (Amendment No. 1) 2022 and highlighted specific areas for review.
The proposed amendments are;
1. Part 4, Section 19(3)
The law currently places the Commission under the Office of the Governor.
Proposal: Transfer supervision of the Commission to the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children, and Persons with Disabilities, in line with recent departmental restructuring.
2. Capacity Building
Proposal: The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs should play a more active role in initiating and supporting capacity-building programmes for persons with disabilities.
3. Part 4, Section 20
Current Status: The law provides for representation from five Emirates for persons with disabilities.
Proposal: Reduce the representation requirement to four Emirates to improve inclusivity.
4. Board Representation
It’s also recommended that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and the Kano State Social Protection Agency should have designated members on the Commission’s Board.
5. Leadership Structure
Proposal: Designate the head of the Commission as Executive Chairman to enhance leadership clarity.
6. Additional Representation
Proposal: Include two slots for NGOs working on disability issues, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Internal Security and the Police on the Board.
7. Secretary/Legal Adviser
Proposal: Appoint the Secretary/Legal Adviser from the Ministry of Justice to ensure legal compliance and strengthen governance.
Following these presentations, the team recommended convening a stakeholder meeting to discuss the proposals in detail. Such a meeting would allow for broader input and foster a more collaborative and comprehensive approach to building an inclusive governance framework for persons with disabilities in Kano State.
The team also presented a letter of recognition to the Honourable Commissioner in appreciation of her dedication and contributions to advancing the welfare of vulnerable people.
In her response, the Commissioner expressed gratitude for the visit and commended V-PeSDI for recognising her efforts and identifying her as a champion for vulnerable people in Kano State.
She also affirmed her readiness to support the proposed amendment process.
The visit concluded with a presentation of the recognition letter and a group photograph, capturing the moment the Honourable Commissioner received the award as a Champion of Vulnerable People in Kano State from the V-PeSDI Coordinator.
