Former Kano State Governor links rise in Northern Nigerian beggars to neglect of persons with disabilities
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Abdullahi Ganduje, former Governor of Kano State and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, stated that the increasing number of beggars in Northern Nigeria is due to the long-standing neglect of persons with disabilities in the region. He made these comments in Abuja at the 10th anniversary documentary premiere of Let鈥檚 Talk Humanity, an organization focused on improving access to education for the deaf and blind. Ganduje highlighted the systemic marginalization of persons with disabilities in the North, noting that this has led to their visible presence as beggars in major cities. He expressed that while this situation is regrettable, initiatives like Let's Talk Humanity demonstrate the potential for positive change if adopted by governments and relevant stakeholders. Ganduje emphasized that exclusion has negatively impacted the confidence and aspirations of many persons with disabilities, and targeted interventions could restore their dignity and productivity. He urged government institutions and development partners to increase support for disability inclusion, suggesting that proper empowerment could transform persons with disabilities into self-reliant citizens. Bernard Doro, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, called for inclusive design in technology and public infrastructure to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities from the outset. Fatima Ganduje Abiola-Ajumobi, founder of Let's Talk Humanity, stated that
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