By Yarima Haruna, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has made significant strides in empowering persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
According to Abdulllahi Idris Zuru stated that At the celebration of this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities, Governor Idris, represented by his Deputy Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida announced that 1,000 PWDs received N100,000 each to start income-generating businesses last yesr twith another group of similar number of the PWDs set to receive similar support this year.
He noted that Businesses engaged by the beneficiaries that have produced the desired results, he further explained, included carpentry, welding, poultry, and fish farming, as well as mini trading of buying and selling within their communities.
The state government has also distributed 100 specially designed motorcycles to elderly PWDs and appointed 30 special assistants from the disabled community.
Governor Idris’s administration has also ensured the inclusion of PWDs in government committees, aiming to make them feel a sense of belonging Zuru added.
He assured that his administration would continue to harness and effectively utilise the potential abilities of the disabled persons in order to provide them with the opportunity to contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.
However, the First Lady of Kebbi State, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, announced a gift of 1,000 bags of parboiled rice for PWDs, while the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Bola Ahmed Tinubu, provided N250,000 for 200 PWDs.
The Kebbi State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, established two years ago,with a Commissioner representing each of the four emirates of the state, has been coordinating and supervising economic empowerment programmes for the persons with disabilities.
The commission’s efforts have led to a significant reduction in street begging among PWDs, with many becoming self-reliant and productive members of society.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal opportunities Comrade Muhammad Abba Isah and the President of the Joint National Association of persons with Disabilities Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Usman, were at the ceremony and each of them pledged special attention to Kebbi State in view of the remarkable care being given to the state commission.
