By Saadu Mashood Zarumi
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday, distributed mobility aids worth millions of naira to People Living with Disabilities, with a call on the public-spirited individuals, philanthropists and corporate bodies in the state to support and complement the government’s efforts at improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
The items distributed at a brief ceremony held at the state Ministry of Social Development include wheelchairs, crutches, hearing aids, tricycles, guide canes, walking sticks, among others.
The gesture according to the Governor, was to further boost the social standard and the livelihood of the citizens, especially the needy, the downtrodden, and the people living with disabilities.
“I am here this morning to flag off the distribution of mobility aids to people living with disabilities. It is an annual event of this administration to put smiles on the faces of the people living with disabilities. Today’s programme is again one out of the numerous social intervention programmes this administration has executed for the benefits of the citizens. We have continually provided succor to the needy, downtrodden and the less privileged across the nooks and crannies of the State”, the Governor said.
AbdulRazaq, who was represented at the event by the Chief of Staff Government House Ilorin, Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, said his administration had shown kindness to the people living with disabilities through skills acquisition such as sending them to Farm Craft Centre, Isheri-olofin Lagos State to learn certain trade for them to be self-reliant and be productive members of the public.
“With such skills and support, we hope to guarantee their dignity as human beings who do not need to beg for alms to survive. Similarly, we have continually provided timely relief materials to our people at the School of Special Needs at Oyun. Indeed, we have appointed persons living with disabilities to top government positions, including in the civil service.
“There is more to be done to support people living with disabilities and it is against this background that I am appealing to public-spirited individuals, philanthropists and corporate bodies in the state to support and complement the government’s efforts at improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
“I wish to congratulate our brothers and sisters who are the beneficiaries of today’s largesse. I urge you to keep these mobility aids in good condition at all time since the longevity depend very largely on their maintenance”.
The programme was attended by top government functionaries including Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Abosede Olaitan Buraimo represented by the Permanent Secretary
Alhaji Musa Okanlawon; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi was represented by Hajia Aminat Saka-Sambo; Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu who was also represented by Hajia Sidikat Opeyemi; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development,
Mr Ayanwale Kayode Peter as well as members of Association of People Living with Disabilities among other dignitaries.
In her address, the state Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs Opeyemi Oluwakemi Folashade, said
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the procurement of wheel chairs, tricycles, guide canes, hearing aids, walking sticks and crutches for the physically challenged people to ease their movement in a bid to ensure full participation and inclusiveness of people living with disabilities.
“I wish to reiterate that His Excellency will not relent in his effort at making life more meaningful and sustainable by allowing People Living with Disabilities to participate in any inclusive and accessible programmes of the government in terms of functional education, health care, employment and other life comforting programmes”, she said.
The Commissioner appealed to key stakeholders and government agencies to work closely and harmoniously with the Ministry and bring up implementable plans in order to ensure People Living with Disability enjoy basic human rights.
“It is worthy of note to implore the public spirited individuals, corporate bodies and organizations, philanthropists to complement government efforts in making life more bearable for People Living with Disabilities”.
Mrs Adesola Alasi from Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ekiti Local Government; Mr Omotosho Badmus
Asa Local Government, Mr Shittu Muyideen from Offa Local Government; Rahanat Taiye Yinusa from Ilorin West among other beneficiaries who spoke at the event, appreciated the Governor for the gesture especially his love and passion for the welfare of people living with disabilities.
