Kano – The Federal Government has officially launched a nationwide campaign aimed at protecting and empowering students with disabilities across Nigeria. The initiative, known as the Renewed Hope Students Disability Protection and Empowerment Campaign, was flagged off in Kano on July 2 by Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
The campaign is a flagship program under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and seeks to address the systemic bullying, discrimination, and exclusion experienced by students with disabilities in schools. The event in Kano marks the beginning of a countrywide rollout, with the campaign scheduled to be held in all 36 states of the federation.
Speaking at the event, Abba Isa emphasized the urgent need to create safer and more inclusive educational environments for children with disabilities.
“This campaign is a timely and necessary response to the challenges these children face daily. With the right support, recognition, and opportunity, they can lead, create, and inspire,” he said.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by dignitaries and key stakeholders in disability inclusion and education. Representing the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, was Rabiu Saleh Gwarzo, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board. Gwarzo reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to inclusive governance and support for persons with disabilities.
Also in attendance were Prof. Bashir Mohammed Fagge, Special Adviser on Policy and Monitoring, who represented the Deputy Senate President, Distinguished Senator Barau I. Jibrin; as well as representatives from the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Education, and various disability-focused organisations and clusters.
A highlight of the event was a moving exhibition of talents by children and youth with disabilities, showcasing their skills in visual arts, music, crafts, and technology. Attendees were inspired by a child with autism who drew detailed portraits of President Tinubu and Governor Yusuf, and a young girl who, despite being unable to use her hands, knitted using her toes. Other impressive displays included bead making, shoe production, veil design, mobile car construction, and a deaf student performing on the piano.
“These displays prove one thing: disability is not inability,” said Abba Isa. “Through this program, and by the will of God, we are laying a new foundation where every child in Nigeria—regardless of their ability—is given protection, opportunity, and dignity.”
He further lauded President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to disability inclusion and called on other state governments to emulate Kano’s leadership in this regard.
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