Kogiflame
Kebbi State Government has empowered 1,000 persons with disabilities as part of its commitment to promoting inclusion of the disables for social progress. A breakdown of the figure shows that 250 beneficiaries received N200,000 support through the Renewed Hope Initiative, 650 beneficiaries received a special capital grant of N100,000, and 100 got solar‑powered tricycles for mobility and economic empowerment.
Flagging‑off the empowerment in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday, the State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of persons with disabilities.
The Deputy Governor said that the state government’s efforts have ensured that the welfare of persons with special needs is not an afterthought but a priority in the state’s development plans. He urged them to embrace the various vocational and skills training programs offered and supported by the government, as the key to unlocking economic self-reliance. He implored them to seize these opportunities to shape their destiny and build a brighter future for Kebbi state.
Senator Umar Tafida assured continued support of the Kauran Gwandu‑led administration to persons with disabilities, commending their resilience and spirit.
In her remarks, the First Lady, Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, announced that 250 persons with special needs in Kebbi State would benefit with N200,000 each under the Renewed Hope Initiative from the office of the wife of the President, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu.
In addition to the state government’s support of N100,000 to each of the 650 beneficiaries, provision of 100 solar‑powered tricycles and that of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hajiya Zainab Nasare also supported the programme with 1,000 bags of rice.
Governor Nasir Idris has ensured that assistive devices, educational support, and skills‑acquisition programs are available to persons with disabilities.
In his address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs, Comrade Abba Muhammad Isah, praised the Kebbi State Government under the leadership of Comrade Dr. Nasir Idris Kauran Gwandu for establishing the State Persons with Disability Commission and its continued support to persons with special needs in the state.
Also in his remarks, Chairman of the State Persons with Disability Commission, Hon. Anas Malami Gwandu, commended the Governor and his wife, Hajiya Zainab Nasare, for their unwavering support and commitment towards the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
The Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Zayyanu Umar Aliero, said the event, themed “Fostering Disability‑Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress,” aligns with the global celebration and aims to promote inclusion, empowerment and support for vulnerable groups.
Hon. Zayyanu explained that the total number of 1,000 beneficiaries set to be empowered comprises the 250 beneficiaries from the Renewed Hope Initiative, 650 recipients of the special capital grant, and 100 beneficiaries of the solar‑powered tricycles.
He further announced that the First Lady of Kebbi State, Her Excellency Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, has supported the programme with 1,000 bags of rice, ensuring that each beneficiary will receive one bag as part of the support package.
Highlights of the occasion were the official flag‑off of the support by the Deputy Governor and Hajiya Zainab Nasare Nasir Idris, as well as entertainment by selected Artistes.
