The Sokoto State Government has distributed 500 handcycles for people with disabilities in the state.
The distribution was made as part of the activities to mark the world disability day celebration.
During the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the gesture was part of its government’s effort to promote inclusivity and access to social services in the state.
He also said the distribution of the handcycles was part of the state government’s efforts to empower persons with disabilities with beneficiaries drawn from the 23 local governments of the state.
The governor noted that his administration has made more provisions to cater to the needs of people with disabilities in the proposed 2025 budget.
He said, “Last year, the government promised to provide 500 bicycles for people with disabilities in all 23 local government areas.
“This promise has been fulfilled, and another 500 bicycles will be purchased soon for the second phase of distribution.
“We also have fulfilled our pledge to restore the monthly allowances for physically challenged persons, which was canceled by the previous administration.” Aliyu explained.
According to him, currently, 6,679 physically challenged individuals receive the monthly allowance, with plans to increase the number to 10,000.
“We have increased the allowance from N6,500 to N10,000 monthly.”
Aliyu said his government has also distributed palliatives, including food items and cooking oil, to support physically challenged persons during the economic downturn.
He said the state government aims to introduce special classes for training in various trades, aimed at reducing street begging and promoting self-efficiency.
“Special attention will be given to the A.A. Raji Special School Sokoto to ensure physically challenged persons have access to literacy.”
He highlighted that his administration has plans to sponsor physically challenged children to study in various institutions.
Governor Aliyu, however, assured the physically challenged persons that the government is committed to their welfare and urged them to reach out with any pressing issues.
The overseer of the Agency for Persons with Disability, Hajiya Amina Kaoje, commended the state government for its efforts in empowering persons with disabilities.
She appealed to the state government to provide additional support to the agency, including a center where persons with disabilities can access subsidized rice sales, as well as a vehicle to facilitate the agency’s work.
