Associations representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Kano State have commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for what they described as his commitment to inclusive governance while calling for the immediate implementation and take-off of the Kano State Disability Commission to strengthen disability inclusion and representation.

In a press release jointly signed by leaders of various disability associations in the state on Friday, the groups also praised the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, for what they described as his consistent engagement with disability organisations and efforts to ensure that their voices are reflected in government decision-making processes.

According to the statement, the associations said Waiya’s inclusive approach has strengthened confidence among members of the disability community and demonstrated the Kano State Government’s commitment to social justice, equal participation and inclusive governance.

The groups, however, expressed concern over what they described as persistent challenges in their relationship with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Persons with Disabilities, despite what they acknowledged as the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable groups in the state.

The associations stated that the ministry’s current approach does not adequately reflect Governor Yusuf’s vision of promoting the dignity, empowerment and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities in governance. They warned that the situation could undermine the objectives for which the ministry was established.

According to the statement, the disability groups have on several occasions submitted formal complaints and observations to relevant authorities over what they described as poor treatment and inadequate engagement of recognised disability organisations by the ministry.

The associations cited the recent distribution of Eid sacrificial cows donated by Governor Yusuf as one example of their concerns. They alleged that the items were distributed to selected individuals based on personal affiliations rather than through recognised disability leadership structures, which they said had been the established practice in previous interventions.

The statement noted that the development generated dissatisfaction among many members of the disability community across Kano State, adding that transparent engagement with recognised organisations would have promoted fairness and accountability.

Highlighting their grievances, the associations alleged that recognised disability organisations and representative bodies are frequently sidelined in decision-making processes and in the implementation of programmes directly affecting Persons with Disabilities in the state.

They also expressed concern over what they described as inadequate consultation with disability stakeholders during the design and implementation of policies, programmes and interventions targeted at Persons with Disabilities.

Furthermore, the groups alleged that legitimate umbrella bodies representing Persons with Disabilities are often excluded from important government engagements and the distribution of welfare packages, a situation they said weakens effective representation and participation.

According to the statement, the current situation is inconsistent with Governor Yusuf’s publicly stated commitment to inclusive governance and social protection for vulnerable groups, particularly Persons with Disabilities.

To address these concerns, the associations appealed to the Kano State Government to establish a high-powered committee to facilitate the implementation and operational take-off of the Kano State Disability Commission. They noted that similar commissions already exist in several states across Nigeria and have strengthened disability inclusion and rights protection.

The groups said an operational Disability Commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for protecting the rights of Persons with Disabilities, coordinating interventions, promoting accountability and ensuring the effective implementation of disability-inclusive policies across Kano State.

The associations expressed confidence that the establishment and operationalisation of the commission would significantly improve inclusion, service delivery, representation and accountability in matters affecting Persons with Disabilities.

The statement was jointly signed by the Chairman of the PWDs Association, Kano State, alongside cluster heads including Musa Muhammad Shaga of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Abdurrahman Uba Daushe of the Spinal Cord Injuries Association, Musa Muhammad Kura of the National Association of the Blind, Salisu Da’u Dawakin Kudu of the Lepers Association, Mariya Ishaq of the Albinism Association, Sani Babachanka of the Deaf Association, and Yahaya A. Yahaya of the Physically Challenged Association.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has announced a planned power interruption affecting Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina states this Sunday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In a statement posted via its X handle, NISO explained that the temporary outage is necessary to facilitate essential maintenance at the 330kV Kumbotso Substation, to be carried out by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Describing the upgrade as a critical investment, the system operator noted that the exercise would strengthen the national grid, enhance transmission capacity, and improve the overall resilience of Nigeria’s power system—ultimately leading to better electricity supply for customers in the affected region.

NISO expressed regret over the inconvenience and appealed for patience, understanding, and cooperation from members of the public during the maintenance period.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release and compensation of a man who had been wrongfully detained on suspicion of ties to Boko Haram.

Nura Idris, a farmer and livestock rearer from Soba Local Government Area in Kaduna State, was released following a comprehensive review by a DSS investigation panel that found no evidence to support the allegations against him.

In addition to ordering his release, the DSS Director-General approved a compensation package of N3 million to assist Idris with his immediate needs and pledged further support to help him rebuild his business.

According to a security source, Idris was initially arrested in June 2024 in Suleja, Niger State, by a sister security agency over alleged links to terrorists. He was subsequently transferred to DSS custody, where the case underwent a full review.

Receiving the compensation, Idris expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership. “I thank the DGSS for his kindness. I was well treated in DSS custody and I pray that Allah rewards the DGSS immensely,” he was quoted as saying.

His father, Yusuf Idris, who received him upon his release, also thanked the DSS Director-General for his compassion and generosity, assuring that the compensation would be put to good use.

Another security source disclosed that in similar cases, the DSS routinely provides psychological and medical support to released detainees and assists them in establishing businesses to facilitate their reintegration into society.

The release of Idris is part of a broader internal review exercise initiated by the Service last year. The initiative aims to reassess inherited and prolonged detention cases to ensure that individuals held without sufficient evidence are not left in custody.

“The Service under the current DG has continued to show that safeguarding national security must go hand in hand with upholding the rights and dignity of citizens,” the source said.