The Pioneer Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission (NSDRC), Hon. Saleh Barde Keana, has highlighted what he described as major achievements of the administration of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule in promoting the welfare, inclusion and rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
Keana disclosed this during an exclusive interview with renowned broadcaster, Ali Wase, of Precious FM, Akurba, Lafia, where he spoke on the administration’s interventions and ongoing efforts to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Nasarawa State.
Over ₦22m Approved for Healthcare Support
According to the NSDRC chairman, Governor Sule has demonstrated commitment to addressing the health and educational needs of PWDs in the state.
He noted that education has been declared free for PWDs, while the governor has also continued to respond to health-related requests from members of the disability community.
Keana revealed that between January and August 2026, Governor Sule approved memos worth more than ₦22 million for the treatment and medication of PWDs in the state.
He described the prompt approval of the requests as an indication of the administration’s attention to the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Inclusion, Employment Quota
The NSDRC chairman also commended the governor for what he described as the inclusion of PWDs in government activities and official events, where persons with disabilities are given special consideration.
He further identified the enforcement of the 5 per cent employment quota for PWDs, as provided by law, as another significant development.
However, Keana expressed concern that many ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the state were yet to comply fully with the employment quota.
He specifically mentioned the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency for providing employment slots to PWDs.
He also commended the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service for allocating five employment slots to PWDs, as well as providing monthly support of ₦300,000.
According to him, the Hospital Management Board and the State Judiciary have also contributed to disability inclusion, noting that the judiciary employed a deaf woman from a list of six candidates submitted to it.
Public Infrastructure Still Largely Inaccessible
On accessibility, Keana said the state government had issued directives for public structures to be made accessible to PWDs, but lamented that many public institutions were yet to comply.
He identified inaccessible public infrastructure as one of the challenges affecting the effective operation of the Commission.
According to him, the NSDRC has been unable to relocate to the new office complex allocated to it because of accessibility concerns.
NSDRC Boss Calls for Peace and Unity
The NSDRC chairman also appealed to PWDs and the wider population of Nasarawa State to embrace peace, unity and cooperation for the continued development of the state.
He particularly urged youths to channel their energy into productive ventures, business and skills acquisition rather than using social media to insult leaders and elders.
Keana also called on PWDs across the state to support the administration and join what he described as the “MAHA train,” saying Governor Sule’s administration remained attentive to the needs of the disability community.
Commends Wadada for Vehicle Donation
The NSDRC chairman equally expressed appreciation to the APC gubernatorial candidate, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, for fulfilling his pledge to support the Commission.
Keana said Wadada donated a brand-new vehicle to the Commission within two weeks of making the pledge, describing the gesture as commendable and a demonstration of commitment to supporting disability-related institutions.
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