Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has distributed mobility aids worth millions of naira to people living with disabilities (PLWDs) to improve their living standards in the state.

At the brief ceremony in Ilorin on Saturday, Mr AbdulRazaq said the programme is one of numerous interventions of his administration to address the social needs of the physically challenged and the less privileged across the nooks and crannies of the state.

Mr AbdulRasaq, represented by his chief of staff, Abdulkadir Mahe, said, “I am here 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 those people.

“Today’s programme is again one out 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 the less privileged across the nooks and crannies of the state.

“Items distributed included wheelchairs, tricycles, guide canes, hearing aids, walking sticks and crutches,” he said.

The governor said his administration has been showing kindness to people living with disabilities.

“We had done this through skills acquisition, such as sending them to Farm Craft Centre, at Isheri-Olofin, Lagos state, to learn certain trade for them to be self-reliant and be productive members of the public ” he said.

He 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,” he added.

He congratulated the recipients and urged them to keep the items in good use.

The state commissioner for social development, Opeyemi  Folashade, said Mr AbdulRazaq approved the procurement of mobility aids and appliances for physically challenged people.

“These aids will help to ease their movements and ensure full participation and inclusiveness of people living with disabilities,” 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 disability enjoy basic human rights.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the event, such as Adesola Alasi from Obbo-Aiyegunle, Ekiti local government; Omotosho Badmus (Asa); Shittu Muyideen (Offa); and Rihanat 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 his administration a huge success. 

(NAN)