The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has expressed appreciation to the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje for appointing a person with disability as a Senior Special Adviser (SSA) on Disability Matters.
Executive Director of CCD, David O. Anyaele in a statement obtained by Inclusive News Network (INN) said the Centre recieved the news with joy and optimism that one of its own, Mallam Tasiu Shehu Garko was now a member of Ganduje’s cabinet.
Anyaele said the appointment which was long overdue, didn’t come to CCD as a surprise considering Ganduje’s commitment over time to include persons with disabilities in all structures of governance in the state.
He said, “Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) is not unaware of Governor Ganduje’s deliberate efforts since assuming office in 2015 in ensuring that persons with disabilities in the state have a better life, which led to his signing into law the Kano state persons with disabilities law 2018 which is currently being implemented by the State Government.
“The actions of the governor towards persons with disabilities in the state are a clear exhibition of inclusive governance and that contribution of persons with disabilities matters in governance,” he said.
He added that with the appointment, CCD was proud to say that its presence in Kano State was yielding positive results, and it advocacy for inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities in governance was making a good impact.
While encouraging members of the community of persons with disabilities in Kano to support Mallam Tasiu in his assignment of representing them, Anyaele urged him to operate consultative leadership by running an open-door policy for all and sundry.
Besides, Anyaele expressed optimism that other states in the country will take a cue from Kano State and replicate this commendable gesture.
He reiterated that CCD is the premier organization of, and for persons with disabilities that works to promote disability rights, independent living, inclusion, and participation of persons with disabilities in development agenda.
According to him, the Centre coordinated Civil Society Organisations (CSO) campaign for the passage of the National Disability Bill, now an Act.