Persons with disabilities in Yobe seek inclusion in appointments
By Ahmed Abba
The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Yobe Chapter, has called on the state government to ensure inclusion of its members in political appointments, elective offices and public employment.
The association made the call through its Chairman, Yawudima Yusufari, during a peaceful demonstration at the gate of the Yobe Government House on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Yusufari also appealed for full implementation of the National Disability Act 2018 in the state, particularly in areas of political participation, employment opportunities and equal access to governance structures.
According to him, persons with disabilities in the state should be given opportunities to participate in the State House of Assembly, chairmanship of local government councils and other political appointments.
He also called for the enforcement of employment quotas for persons with disabilities, lamenting that they remained largely under-represented in the state’s workforce in spite of their population and competence.
“Nothing about us without us. We are qualified, competent and ready to contribute meaningfully to governance and development,” Yusufari said.
He said the association supported the government and was aligned with its development policies, but insisted that inclusion must be prioritised to ensure fairness and equity.
Yusufari also urged the state government to strengthen collaboration with JONAPWD in implementing disability-related policies, noting that the association played a key role in advocating for the establishment of the commission.
He expressed appreciation to Gov. Mai Mala Buni for establishing the Yobe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities.
Yusufari said the creation of the commission marked a major milestone in advancing the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
He stressed that the group would continue to engage government and stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities were not left behind in political and socio-economic developments.
The chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to peaceful advocacy and partnership with the government in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in the state.
(NAN)
