A civil society organisation, Muryar Matasa Initiative (MMI) for Employment Development and Inclusion, has called on the Katsina State Government to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Law.

The group made the call in a statement issued in Katsina on Wednesday, signed by Saratu Hamidu and Nasir Dauda, Executive Director and Secretary-General respectively.

The group urged Gov. Dikko Radda to prioritise the full enforcement of the law, noting that delays have continued to deny persons with disabilities (PWDs) access to critical protections and opportunities in the state.

The CSO expressed concern that, despite the signing of the landmark legislation in 2023, its implementation framework remains largely inactive, leaving a significant segment of the population vulnerable to discrimination and exclusion.

It noted that Katsina is home to an estimated 600,000 persons with disabilities, including individuals with spinal cord injuries, visual and hearing impairments, leprosy-related conditions, and other physical or developmental challenges.

The group added that Nigeria has about 35 million PWDs, underscoring the scale of the issue and the need for urgent action at the state level.

It further stressed that full implementation of the law would guarantee the protection of fundamental rights, ensure equal access to justice, and eliminate discrimination in both public and private sectors.

“The law would provide a structured framework for inclusive healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, thereby improving the quality of life for affected individuals,” the group emphasised.

According to the group, effective enforcement would also position Katsina as a model for inclusive governance and social justice in Nigeria, in line with global development goals.

It commended Radda for his efforts toward inclusive governance and for creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to participate in state affairs, adding that, “more concrete steps are required to translate policy into action.”

The group called on the state government to immediately operationalise the law, establish enforcement mechanisms, allocate adequate funding, and ensure the active involvement of PWD in its implementation.

“Implementation is not merely a legal obligation, it is a moral imperative and the pathway to dignity, equality, and opportunity for all citizens,” the statement added.

(NAN)

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The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with an NGO, Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, on Thursday organised an intensive pre-marital counselling and training for about 1,000 intending couples.

The exercise, held in Katsina, Daura and Funtua zones, was part of preparations for a mass wedding, ‘Auren Gata’, an initiative of the state government, scheduled for April 25.

The Chairperson of the Foundation, Dr Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, said that the training was aimed at strengthening family values and reducing divorce in the society.

She said that the foundation was partnering with relevant authorities to prepare couples, representing 2,000 individuals, for the planned mass wedding.

Ibrahim-Duwan added that the initiative was designed to equip the intending couples with the knowledge and skills required to build stable and successful marriages.

She said that the couples were earlier screened by the state Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure they are fit and ready for marriage.

She said that the training exercise had been divided into three zones, Malumfashi, Daura and Katsina, to allow participants from different locations conveniently attend the sessions.

“The training is to prepare the couples for a successful married life by educating them on their responsibilities to one another and the importance of mutual understanding in marriage,” she said.

Ibrahim-Duwan added that the sessions also provided guidance on Islamic perspectives on marriage, conflict resolution and ways to maintain harmony in the home.

She noted that participants would receive certificates, which would serve as a requirement for participation in the mass wedding.

The chairperson further explained that the ministry of women affairs compiled and verified the list of screened couples after conducting medical tests and other necessary evaluations.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute significantly to reducing marital disputes and strengthening family institutions in the state.

Earlier, the Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), said that the initiative, the first in the state, would help in reducing immorality.

He said that the state government would also provide the couples with all the necessary support needed for marriage, and also a capital for the groom to start a business.

Usman said that after the wedding, the board would continue to monitor the couples, to ensure a true and peaceful marriage.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, said the initiative was to prevent the beneficiaries, especially women, from falling into immorality.

Represented by Amina Sada-Mashi, the Spokesperson of the ministry, the Commissioner said that the beneficiaries were made to undergo a thorough screening, such as genotype, HIV and other health issues.

NAN

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A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Gender Awareness Trust (GAT) has commended women across Katsina communities for their contributions towards promoting peace and security.

The GAT’s State Coordinator, Muhammad Maifada, made the commendation on Friday during a sensitisation exercise at the palace of the District Head of Shinkafi, Abdurashid Abubakar.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was organised in collaboration with UK International Development, SPRING, and Tetra Tech International Development.

Maifada said that the sensitisation programme, which featured participation of about 13 community leaders, was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day.

He noted that studies have shown the significant contributions women make in enhancing security within communities, particularly through the provision of vital information to security agencies and other relevant stakeholders.

Maifada further emphasised that parents and religious leaders also have a vital role to play, noting that they were close to the people and serve as permanent community leaders.

According to him, they are in a strategic position to help promote peace, guide the public on security measures, and inform citizens on appropriate channels for reporting issues in order to protect their communities.

He, therefore, called on members of the public to understand that everyone had a role to play in ensuring security and peace, stressing that each individual could contribute in different ways toward safeguarding their communities.

According to Maifada, GAT supported Women peace and security implementation committee members to carry out community sensitisation to inclusive peace-building.

Maifada further revealed that GAT also operates in Kaduna, while in Katsina State its activities cover Batagarawa, Kaita, and Katsina Local Government Areas.

“Among the key activities of the organisation is raising community awareness on the importance of women’s participation, particularly in matters relating to security and peace-building.

“The organisation is also advocating against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a menace that affects women and children in the state,” the Coordinator said.

In his remarks, the District Head, who is also the Turaren Katsina, expressed gratitude to God for the choice of his district to host the celebration marking the International Women’s Day.

He also acknowledged the positive impact of the organisation’s activities within the community and pledged continued support and cooperation to ensure sustained peace and security across Katsina state.

NAN

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