By Abdulaziz Ibrahim Hassan
The Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities says it is open to collaborating with Youth O'Clock Advancement Association Nigeria to promote youth inclusion in decision-making, particularly for young persons living with disabilities.
Executive Chairman of the Commission, Dr Ishiyaku Adamu, stated this while receiving a delegation from the Youth O’Clock Advancement Association at the Commission’s office in Gombe.
Dr Ishiyaku Adamu commended Youth O’Clock Nigeria for what he described as a consistent and purposeful contribution to youth development across the state.
He said the organization’s sustained advocacy around youth participation, good governance, and community engagement has added a relevant voice to policy conversations in the state.
The Chairman also praised the association’s visibility in driving peacebuilding dialogues, awareness on access to safe water and sanitation, and campaigns focused on building a more inclusive society.
Dr Adamu added that partnerships with youth-led organizations like Youth O’Clock are vital to advancing the Commission’s mandate and reaching underserved populations, especially young persons with special needs.
He emphasized that the passion and commitment shown by the association underscore the important role young people must play in policy advocacy, social development, and inclusive governance.
The Chairman further assured that the Commission will support Youth O’Clock’s efforts by creating joint platforms for programming, policy dialogue, and community outreach tailored to persons with disabilities.
Also speaking, the World Bank Technical Assistant to the Commission, Dr. Zubairu Sulaiman, welcomed the initiative and assured that World Bank-supported programs within the Commission will continue to prioritize inclusive youth participation.
Earlier, Gombe State Coordinator of Youth O'Clock Nigeria, Comrade Abdulaziz Sani Labaran, said they were at the Commission to congratulate its leadership on the recent appointments and to seek a strategic partnership on disability-focused youth interventions.
Comrade Labaran explained that the association, which works around peacebuilding, education, employment, and WASH, remains deeply committed to ensuring that youth with disabilities are not sidelined in development processes across the state.
He described the establishment of the Commission as a bold and commendable step towards deepening social inclusion, and expressed the Movement’s readiness to support the Commission’s advocacy and program delivery.
He reaffirmed the association’s willingness to leverage its grassroots presence, technical expertise, and youth networks in advancing the Commission’s mission for a more inclusive and accessible Gombe.
Highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of a congratulatory letter to the Chairman and his Board, symbolizing the association’s goodwill and shared commitment to inclusion.
