Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State distributed mobility aid worth millions of naira to people living with disabilities (PLWDs) in the state on Saturday to improve their living standards.
At the brief ceremony in Ilorin, Governor Abdulrazaq said the programme is one of the numerous interventions of the administration to address the social needs of the physically challenged and the less privileged across nooks and crannies in the state.
“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 people living with disabilities.
Today’s programme is again one of the numerous social intervention programmes this administration has executed for the benefit of the citizens.
We have continually provided succour to the needy, downtrodden, and less privileged across the nooks and crannies of the state,” he said.
Items distributed included wheel chairs, tricycles, guide canes, hearing aids, walking sticks, and crutches.
The governor said the administration has been showing kindness to people living with disabilities through skill acquisition, such as sending them to the Farm Craft Centre in Isheri-Olofin, Lagos State, to learn certain trades for them to be self-reliant and productive members of the public.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prince Abdulkadir Mahe, the governor called on the public-spirited individuals, philanthropists, and corporate bodies in the state to complement the government’s efforts at improving the living conditions of persons with disabilities.
“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 for special needs at Oyun. Indeed, we have appointed persons living with disabilities to top government positions, including in the civil service,” he said.
He congratulated the recipients and urged them to keep the items in good use.
“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.”
The event was attended by top government functionaries, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs Abosede Olaitan Buraimo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Musa Okanlawon; Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon Aliyu Kora Sabi, 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; and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Social Development, Mr Ayanwale Kayode Peter, as well as members of the association of people living with disabilities, among other dignitaries.
In her address, the state Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs Opeyemi Oluwakemi Folashade, said that
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq approved the procurement of mobility aids and appliances for the physically challenged to ease their movement in a bid to ensure the 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 with the Ministry and bring up implementable plans to ensure that people living with disabilities enjoy basic human rights.
“It is worthy of note to implore public-spirited individuals, corporate bodies and organisations, and philanthropists to complement the government’s efforts in making life more bearable for people living with disabilities in the state.”
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event, such as Mrs. Adesola Alasi from Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ekiti local government; Omotosho Badmus (Asa); Mr Shittu Muyideen (Offa); and Rihanat Taiye Yinusa (Ilorin West), appreciated the governor’s gesture, especially his love and passion for the welfare of people living with disabilities.
They prayed to God to continue to guide the governor and grant the administration success.
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