Kebbi State Disburses N100 Million To Empower Persons with Disability

Kebbi State Government has disbursed N100 million to 1,000 persons living with disability as part of its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and self-reliance among this group.

The initiative marks the International Day for Persons with Disability.

Each beneficiary, selected from the state’s 21 Local Government Areas, received N100,000 to invest in profitable ventures.

Disbursing the funds in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, the wife of Kebbi Governor, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to the welfare of persons with disability.

“This initiative aligns with Governor Nasir Idris’ policy to uplift the welfare of persons with disability by enhancing their livelihoods and integrating them into society,” she said.

The First Lady highlighted measures taken by the administration, including the establishment of the Commission for Persons with Disability and the provision of grants to support entrepreneurial activities.

“The government is determined to take you off the streets and minimize begging. This N100,000 grant is an opportunity for you to invest in profitable ventures and achieve self-reliance,” she stated.

She also urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds, warning that the government would monitor their progress to ensure accountability.

The Chairman of the Kebbi State Persons with Disability Rights Commission, Alhaji Anas Malami Gwandu, expressed gratitude to Governor Idris for prioritizing the welfare of persons with disabilities, including the blind, deaf, lepers, and those with paralysis.

He emphasized the importance of education for all children with disabilities and advised beneficiaries to comply with regulations discouraging street begging.

The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, represented by Ubandoman Gwandu, Alhaji Sadiq Ibrahim Sadiq, commended Governor Idris for his compassion and urged the beneficiaries to seize this opportunity to improve their lives.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Zayyanu Umar Aliero, and Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Alhaji Shafi’u Zauro, also praised the Governor and First Lady for their sustained efforts to support orphans and persons with disability.

A highlight of the event was the recognition of Abdulhakim Abubakar, a wheelchair user and third-year student of Education Chemistry at Federal University Birnin Kebbi. Abdulhakim, who previously received a motorcycle and an offer of automatic employment as a teacher from the Governor, was celebrated as a symbol of “ability in disability.”

Credit: Yahaya Sarki,
Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity.