In commemoration of the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities”, Maryam Mustapha Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (MMAWT) Legacy Initiative, a pet project of the wife of Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Maryam Tambuwal has donated special equipment to the disabled in the state.
he gesture which the Governor’s wife said is in collaboration with Rebuilding Hope, includes Tricycles, 100 Wheelchairs, 100 special canes for the blind and other support equipment to students with special need in Abdulrashid Adisa Raji Special School in the state.
Speaking at the occasion, Hajiya Maryam, noted that the most talented people on earth today are people with special needs, adding that all they need is love, inclusion, care, support in order for them to bring the best out of them.
“We as mothers, sisters, Aunties, brothers, uncles, and Fathers have to take it upon ourselves to support people with disabilities and children of special needs. The most talented people in the world today are from these class of persons. Only when we nurture them to grow in confidence and hopefulness can we see the potentials in them.
“This brings me to the issue of victims of Autism and cerebral palsy, especially in children.
Even more horrifying is watching them being made destitute, curses upon and are avoided as irritants or a dangerous species, because of their conditions largely as a result of the many superstitions propagated to stigmatize them.
“Their value should be beyond destitution, condemnation, and stigmatization. They deserve to be empowered through training in skills acquisition and entrepreneurship, education, scholarships, talent management and identification, Nutrition, agriculture and more especially in this modern era of Technology.” Hajiya Maryam added.
According to her, Almajiri, is not wrong, but she, however, said, “we condemn the negative side of almajirism, many are exposed to dangers of accidents, rape, victims of the ritualist, human trafficking, stigma of superstitions and poverty.”
She challenged all well meaning Nigerians to give support the these set of people, saying, “let us kindly ask ourselves, how have we used the gift of good health, wealth, opportunities and knowledge we possess to better the lives of these people?
“Let us all go back home today to reflect on our collective humanities as we thank Allah for the gift of life. MMAWT legacy initiative has made available Wheel chairs, special wheel bicycles and tricycles, learning aid kits for the blind and canes to the less privileged persons in this class and i encourage others who are capable to emulate this.
“Government in its Social welfare programs must not be seen to be the only ones supporting such causes. It is our collective responsibility to care for our Neighbors’ and environment like all religions and culture in the world teaches.”
Hajiya Maryam, therefore thanked caregiver of the disabled , saying, “I salute parents of such persons living with some form of disabilities for the care and emotional trauma it causes them. Please do not relent, your reward is in heaven and May Almighty Allah see you through.
She was by Special Adviser to the Governor on Girl Child Education, Dr Amamatu Yusuf.
