Abdullahi Ganduje, immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, has called on Northern governors to invest more in persons with disabilities (PWDs) as a strategy to reduce the rising rate of street begging across the region.
Ganduje made the appeal on Friday during an event held in Abuja, where he stressed the need for a shift from charity-based approaches to structured human capital development for people living with disabilities.
According to him, advancements in technology and access to quality education have made it easier for individuals with special needs to acquire skills and contribute meaningfully to society. He noted that with adequate investment in assistive devices, training, and inclusive education, persons with disabilities can become self-reliant and productive members of the community.
The event brought together experts in disability education, government officials at both federal and state levels, staff, alumni, and students of Tudun Maliki Special School in Kano. A keynote address was delivered by the school’s Vice Principal, Ibrahim Abdukabir, who highlighted the positive impact of the Let’s Talk Humanity Initiative on students and graduates.
Ganduje emphasized that neglect and social exclusion have negatively affected the confidence and mental well-being of many physically challenged individuals. He said empowering them through education and skills acquisition would restore their dignity and improve their sense of belonging.
He urged authorities and development partners to adopt what he described as a “human investment approach,” noting that strategic support would significantly transform lives and reduce dependence on street begging.
He added that with proper support, persons with disabilities could advance to the point of becoming employers of labour and even excel as innovators and professionals in various fields.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Dr. Bernard Doro, underscored the importance of inclusive design in policymaking and technology development. He said assistive devices and public programs must be created with direct input from persons living with disabilities to ensure their effectiveness.
In her remarks, the founder of Let’s Talk Humanity, Fatima Ganduje Abiola-Ajumobi, reiterated that empowering persons with disabilities remains critical to achieving broader societal development and inclusion.
The stakeholders at the event agreed that sustained investment in education, technology, and inclusive policies could significantly reduce street begging and unlock the untapped potential of thousands of Nigerians living with disabilities.
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