• Abdullahi Ganduje links rising street begging in Northern Nigeria to neglect of persons with disabilities
• He describes widespread marginalisation as a key driver of poverty and social exclusion among PWDs
• Ganduje says exclusion has damaged the confidence and self-perception of many disabled persons

Former Kano State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Ganduje, has attributed the growing number of street beggars in Northern Nigeria to the prolonged neglect of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Speaking on Friday, April 24, in Abuja at the 10th anniversary documentary premiere of Let’s Talk Humanity, Ganduje highlighted how systemic marginalisation has pushed many vulnerable individuals into begging as a means of survival.

The event, which brought together stakeholders in disability education, government officials, and alumni of Tudun Maliki Special School, marked a decade of advocacy for inclusive education, particularly for the Deaf and Blind.

In his remarks, Ganduje described the situation as deeply troubling, pointing to the visible rise in beggars across Northern cities.

“In the north, persons with disabilities are people relegated to the background… That is why we have an array of beggars across the northern parts of this country day and night… This is a sorry sight.”

He noted that exclusion has not only limited opportunities for PWDs but has also affected their self-worth and motivation.

“Yes, they are relegated because they are physically challenged… This has affected their psyche and motivation. They cannot even think of themselves as human beings like others.”

However, he expressed optimism that targeted interventions and inclusive programmes could reverse the trend, urging authorities to replicate successful initiatives.

“If what we are seeing could be adopted… there is no doubt there will be a big positive change in our society.”

Ganduje also called on government agencies and development partners to invest more in empowering persons with disabilities, stressing that many can become economically independent.

“Although many… can’t stop begging, they can be developed to the extent of making them become employers of labour.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Bernard Doro, emphasised the need for inclusive technology and accessibility from the design stage.

“We must move towards a future where accessibility is by design… technology should empower individuals to navigate the world on their own terms.”

Founder of the organisation, Fatima Ganduje Abiola-Ajumobi, revealed that over 1,000 beneficiaries have been empowered in the last decade. She reflected on the organisation’s impact and future ambitions.

“Our projection… is to have a national resource centre for those with sensory impairment… to tap into international resources.”

Meanwhile, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the documentary as emotional and urged governors nationwide to replicate such initiatives.

“If we have this in every state, our society will be a better place to live in.”

The event underscored growing calls for inclusive policies, stronger partnerships, and sustained advocacy to improve the lives of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.

Gov. Yusuf pledges expanded youth empowerment to drive Kano’s economic growth

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had assured young people in the state of his administration’s continued commitment to youth empowerment as a catalyst for economic growth.

Yusuf emphasised that meaningful development cannot be achieved without the active participation of young people. He said his government remains determined to expand opportunities for youths and integrate them more fully into governance and leadership structures.