Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged state governors, development partners, and philanthropists to prioritize investment in Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as a strategic measure to curb street begging in Northern Nigeria. He made this appeal during the 10th anniversary celebration and documentary premiere of the Let's Talk Humanity Initiative (LTH) in Abuja on Friday. LTH is an organization focused on the educational needs of the deaf and blind.
Neglect of the Physically Challenged
Dr Ganduje lamented the historical neglect of the physically challenged, which he said has led to widespread destitution across the region. He stated, "In the northern part of this country, people with disabilities are relegated to the background. That is why we have an array of beggars across the North day and night. Some sleep under bridges, some sleep on the road; this is a sorry story. But looking at what we saw this afternoon, you can see there is a silent revolution."
Technology as a Game Changer
The former Governor emphasized that modern technological advancements have made education for those with special needs more accessible than ever. With the right support, he noted, they can transition from being dependents to becoming employers of labour and geniuses in various fields. Ganduje observed that societal neglect has deeply affected the psyche of the disabled. "Yes, they are neglected because they are physically challenged. This has affected their motivation, they cannot even think they are human beings like others. But by unveiling this kind of programme, we are making them feel like any other member of our society," he added.
Minister Calls for Inclusion by Design
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr Bernard M. Doro, argued that inclusion of people with special needs is not an option but an obligation. He called for a shift in how technology and infrastructure are developed in Nigeria to ensure inclusion. "When we develop assistive devices or technology in general, this has to be done with people living with disabilities in mind. We must move towards a future where accessibility is by design, moving away from retrofitting tools towards building universal platforms. Digital inclusion must be the priority here," Dr Doro added.
Let's Talk Humanity Initiative's Impact
The founder of Let's Talk Humanity, Fatima Ganduje, revealed that her organization has empowered 1,000 beneficiaries annually since 2015. She noted that the initiative began at the Tudun Maliki Special School in Kano, where technology was used to unlock the educational potential of sensory impaired students. Mrs Ganduje outlined an ambitious 10-year plan, saying, "Our projection is to establish a National Resource Centre for those with sensory impairment, to be able to tap into international knowledge and resources available in parts of the world that are much more developed than us when it comes to special needs."
Event Highlights
The event featured a keynote speech by Ibrahim Abdukabir, Vice Principal of the Tudun Maliki Special School, and was attended by senior government officials and experts in disability education. All speakers advocated for a move from intention to action in the quest for social inclusion.
