By IBRAHIM KANOMA, Gusau
The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board has distributed 400 bags of beans and 30 wheel bicycles to disabled persons in the state.
This was disclosed by the Executive Chairman of the board, Malam Abubakar Muhammad Sodangi, during the celebration of international day for people with disability, held in Gusau, the state capital, on Thursday.
According to him, the board, in collaboration with Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development (ESPID), organized the programme with a view to improving the life of disabled people to celebrate the international day.
Sodangi further noted that every 2nd December is earmarked as World Disabled Day and called on well to do individuals to help, for them to have sense of belonging in the society.
He said in line with the state government’s intention of assisting disabled persons, the governor, Hon. Mohammed Bello, sent 400 bags of beans to be distributed to the in order to reduce hardship among them.
He also said that the board had distributed 30 wheel bicycles to the disabled people in need of them, adding that the gesture will continue next year and gave assurance it will be an annual event.
Malam Abubakar Muhammad Sodangi also announced that the board was planning to sponsor training of 50 secondary school disable graduates on computer literacy.
Similarly, a renown Islamic scholar and also the state Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Dr Tukur Sani Jangebe, described the people with disability as important members of the society, calling on people, especially the philanthropists, to assist them.
He advised the abled bodies to always bring the disabled closer to themselves and assist them without slight indication of discrimination.
In his remarks, Governor Mohammed Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji kabiru Balatabe, commended the gigantic efforts of the board under the leadership of Malam Abubakar Muhammad ibn Sodangi and noted the state government’s promises to continue to support the disables, financially, for their development and educational advancement
He also promised to ensure that the protection bill on the disabled persons, which he said was currently with the state House of Assembly, is passed successfully.
