By Jabir Ridwan
In a significant gesture of empowerment and support, the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Usman Zuru, (Lifiddan Zuru), has provided cash assistance to (200) individuals with disabilities in his constituency with N20,000 each.
This initiative aimed at improving the living standards of those with disabilities, which include those with visual impairments, hearing impairments, cripples as well as persons with leprosy to promote inclusivity within the community of his constituency.
During a colourful ceremony held in zuru town, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Usman Zuru, represented by the APC Chairman Zuru Local Government, Abubakar Abiola emphasized the importance of uplifting marginalized groups and fostering an inclusive society.
“This initiative is part of our commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in our development agenda, we believe that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, deserves the opportunity to thrive and contribute to society,” the speaker stated.
The cash assistance is intended to help recipients who underwent a selection process to ensure that, the support reached those most in need start small businesses that will make them self-reliance and avoid street begging.
Earlier in his address, a commissioner in the Kebbi State Peoples with Disabilities’ Commission, Sarki Musa Emir, while appreciating the gesture of the speaker, which will go along way in alleviating financial challenges of their members called on other political office holders and private sector to collaborate and develop more comprehensive programmes, aimed at achieving sustainable development for people with disabilities not only in the area, but the state and the country as a whole.
In their remarks at the occasion, Chairman Zuru Local Government Council, Bala Isah Gajere, Former Commissioner of the state Jafar Muhammad Clean and Councillor representing Rumu/Dabai/Seme Ward Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim Dabai, applauded the speaker’s initiative, highlighting the importance of such programmes in promoting social equity and reducing poverty among vulnerable populations and commended the Speaker for his commitment to fostering an inclusive society and empowering vulnerable groups in the area.
In their words of appreciation, some beneficiaries of the funds expressed their gratitude to the speaker for the cash assistance, which they explained would make a significant difference in their daily lives.
“This is a step in the right direction, we need more of such support from our leaders to empower people with disabilities, we can now start small businesses with this support. It gives us a sense of independence and hope for a better future,” The beneficiaries remarked.
The occasion featured presentations of the cash assistance to the benefiting people with disabilities by the wife of the speaker, Hajiya Uwani Mohammed Usman, among other stakeholders in the area.
It could be recalled that, in a significant effort to enhance mobility and socio-economic activities in his constituency, the Speaker distributed thirty (30) brand new motorcycles to his constituents last week.
This initiative is part of his commitment to follow in the footsteps of the State Governor, Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu, in promoting the social welfare of the citizens.