By Lanre Oloyede
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu Usman on his recent appointment as the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Commission for Persons With Disabilities.
President Tinubu’s congratulations was conveyed in a statement personally signed by His Senior Special Assistant on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa.
Until his appointment, Mr. Abdullahi Aliyu Usman was the National Chairman of Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities, JONAPWD.
The appointment, which underscores Abdullahi’s longstanding dedication to the rights and inclusion of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, was announced in a press release issued by Yahaya Sarki, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Kebbi State Governor.
According to the release, Governor Nasir Idris approved the constitution of the Kebbi State Governing Board for the Disability Commission, effective from August 28, 2024. The news, made public in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala Tafida, has been met with widespread acclaim.
The newly constituted board will be chaired by Anas Malami, with Abdullahi Aliyu Usman serving as the Executive Secretary. Other appointed members include Jafar Bawa Aljannare, Aminu Ambursa, Abdulrazak Muhammad (Madiho), Mardiya Ahmad, and Musa Sarki Sadisu. The statement also mentioned that Governor Idris would formally inaugurate the Governing Board in due course.
In his congratulatory message, delivered through Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, President Tinubu lauded Usman’s appointment as a well-deserved recognition of his unwavering commitment to the inclusion, empowerment, and advocacy for PWDs across the country.
The President noted that Abdullahi’s distinguished tenure as the National Chairman of the JONAPWD has set a high standard for leadership and has inspired many within the disability community and beyond.
“I have no doubt that your wealth of experience, passion, and dedication will significantly advance the work of the Kebbi State Commission for Persons With Disabilities,” he said.
President Tinubu expressed confidence that under Abdullahi’s leadership, the Commission would continue to champion the rights and welfare of PWDs, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met, in alignment with the inclusive vision of his administration.
As Usman prepares to embark on this new chapter in his career, the President assured him of the full support of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, expressing eagerness to collaborate closely to further the cause of disability inclusion, both in Kebbi State and nationwide.
The appointment of Abdullahi Usman is seen as a significant step towards reinforcing the rights of PWDs in Kebbi State, and it is anticipated that his leadership will bring about meaningful progress in the Commission’s efforts to address the challenges faced by this community.
The formal inauguration of the Governing Board by Governor Idris is expected to follow soon, marking the beginning of a new era for disability advocacy and support in Kebbi State
