BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto
Marking the International Day of People With Disability (PWD) in Sokoto, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu has said his administration has not only reintroduced the abandoned allowance to PWD but also reviewed it upwards from the initial 6500 to 10,000.
The governor who also donated 500 brand new wheel chairs to PWD in the state during the occasion, added that, such avenue provides leaders the opportunity to further hear the plights of PWDs.
While announcing a token donation of 10,000 to each of the 6679 from Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako, the governor added that, as a responsible government, the welfare of the people especially the weaker and vulnerable ones in the society will continue to be accorded the desired priority at all times.
In line with that, the governor divulged that his government has made adequate provision in the 2024 budget to cater for the needs of PWD, those vulnerable and needy.
“”When we came on board, we noticed that the immediate past administration stopped allowance to the needy. And in our resolve to redeem every segment of our campaign promise, we did not just restore the allowances to the PWD, and vulnerable ones in the society but also reviewed it upward from 6,500 to 10000.
“”And at the moment a total of 6679 are receiving this monthly allowance in Sokoto and we intend to increase the number to of beneficiaries to 10,000 to enable more of them benefit from the gesture.
“‘We have provided them with brand new vehicle and a special skills acquisition center to ensure that they get skills””.
In his submission to PWD, the governor said, “”My administration is hundred percent yours, feel free to reach out to me when there is any pressing issue and we will attend to it without delay””.
In her opening remarks, Amina Kaoje the overseer of Sokoto State Agency for The Disable appealed for the provision of addition vehicle, better office space, special center for the sales of the ongoing subsidized rice in the state to their members.
“”All disability people deserves respect. We are proud of our status hence we cannot change it””.
In a goodwill message, Aminu Kasimu, the state chairman, APC Blind Supporters Association said the governor did not only fulfill his election promise to restore their monthly stipends but also increased same, provided vehicle and wheel chair for them.
On his part, Dr Bello A Bello one of the blind peoples in Sokoto said they are happy for the amplified leadership for PWD the state and sees that as an increased social orientation towards achieving SDGs.
The Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar 111 represented by he Magajin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello appealed to all and sundry to assist the vulnerable in their respective capacity.
