The Gombe State House of Assembly has conducted a public hearing to deliberate on two significant bills– the Gombe State Social Investment Programme Agency Bill and the Gombe State Disability Commission Bill.
The session held on Monday at the House of Assembly and attended by lawmakers, stakeholders, and members of the public, underscored the state government’s commitment to enhancing social welfare and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.
The Gombe State Social Investment Programme Agency, when passed into law, will spearhead various initiatives targeted at reducing poverty and promoting economic development among the state’s residents, coordinating efforts such as cash transfers, school feeding programmes, and youth employment schemes while ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support to improve their living conditions.
The Gombe State Disability Commission on the other hand, will play a crucial role in advocating for and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. The commission will be responsible for implementing policies and programmes that will facilitate accessibility, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The commission also aims to work towards eliminating discrimination and ensuring that persons with special needs have access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt.Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, noted the transformative potential of the bills, saying “these agencies will not only provide immediate relief to those in need but also create a sustainable framework for long-term development and inclusion.”
He commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for transmitting to the House, the Gombe State Social Investment Programme Agency Bill as well as Hon. Shu’aibu Adamu Haruna for sponsoring the private-member bill for the Gombe State Disability Commission, assuring their speedy passage for assent by the Governor.
Other relevant stakeholders present during the public hearing expressed their support for the bills, highlighting the significant impact these agencies will have on the lives of Gombe State residents.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs and Special Duties, Hon. Gabriel Galadima Fushison, commended his colleagues and other stakeholders for supporting the process, assuring that his committee will work relentlessly to ensure the bills receive the necessary approvals to pave the way for the operationalisation of the two agencies.
The public hearing was attended by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Zubair Muhammad Umar, the State ALGON Chairman, Barr. Sani Ahmed Haruna, representatives from the community of persons with special needs, representatives from the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, religious and community leaders and other relevant stakeholders.