Former Kano State Governor and ex–APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, has expressed concern over what he described as the increasing neglect of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in Northern Nigeria, saying it is partly responsible for the rising number of beggars in the region.
Ganduje made the statement on Friday in Abuja during the 10th anniversary documentary launch of “Let’s Talk Humanity,” a group that focuses on education for people who are deaf and blind.
He explained that many people with disabilities are often ignored or pushed aside in society, leaving them without proper support systems. According to him, this lack of care is forcing some of them into begging as a means of survival.
He said that in many northern communities, PWDs are not given equal opportunities, which has contributed to the growing visibility of street begging both day and night.
Ganduje added that with better access to inclusive education, vocational training, and assistive tools, persons with disabilities could become independent and contribute positively to society instead of relying on begging.
He also called on government authorities, organisations, and individuals to pay more attention to disability inclusion. He stressed that empowering PWDs would help reduce poverty and other social problems in the region.