Former APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has urged governors, development partners and philanthropists to prioritise investment in Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) as a long-term solution to street begging in Northern Nigeria.
He made the appeal in Abuja during the 10th anniversary and documentary premiere of Let’s Talk Humanity Initiative, an organisation focused on the education of deaf and blind individuals.
Ganduje criticised the long-standing neglect of people living with disabilities, linking it to the growing number of beggars across the region. He described the situation as “a sorry story,” noting that many are forced to sleep under bridges and on the streets due to lack of support.
According to him, targeted investment in education and empowerment could reverse the trend. He pointed out that advances in technology have made it easier to educate people with special needs, enabling them to become productive members of society.
“With the right support, they can move from dependency to becoming employers of labour and innovators in different fields,” Ganduje said.
He added that years of exclusion have affected the confidence and self-worth of many disabled persons, stressing that initiatives like LTH are helping to restore dignity and inclusion.
Also speaking, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Bernard M. Doro, said inclusion of persons with disabilities is a national obligation, not a choice.
He called for a shift towards inclusive design in technology and infrastructure, urging stakeholders to prioritise accessibility from the outset.
“We must build systems where accessibility is embedded by design, not added later. Digital inclusion must be prioritised,” he said.
Founder of the initiative, Fatima Ganduje, revealed that the organisation has empowered over 1,000 beneficiaries annually since 2015. She said the project began at Tudun Maliki Special School in Kano, using technology to support sensory-impaired students.
She also unveiled plans to establish a National Resource Centre for people with sensory impairments, aimed at connecting Nigeria with global expertise in special needs education.
The event drew policymakers, educators and advocates, all calling for concrete action to advance inclusion and reduce inequality.
