Military offers support to PWDs in Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna
AREWA AGENDA – The Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN and General Officer Commanding 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Ibrahim Ali has donated 220 wheelchairs, foodstuffs and money to 220 people living with physical disabilities in Plateau, parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States.
Gen Ali disclosed this yesterday while distributing the 220 wheelchairs at the Hill Station Hotel, Jos, Plateau State.
He noted that the gesture was part of the Operation’s civil-military relations in partnership with Beautiful Gate and Handicap People’s Centre Jos, aimed at promoting peaceful co-existence in the respective states.
“It is heart-warming to note that today’s event involves the distribution of 220 tricycles, foodstuff and tokens to our brothers and sisters selected from the 17 local government areas of Plateau and 2 Local Government Areas of Bauchi state. Similarly, the programme was also extended to 30 of our brothers and sisters from 5 LGAs of Kaduna State.
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“This event is an outcome of the collaboration between Operation SAFE HAVEN and Beautiful Gate Handicaps People’s Centre Jos. As security agencies constitutionally responsible for the security of lives of all citizens, we are duty bound to employ both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to guarantee the safety of lives and properties of the citizens as well as promote peaceful coexistence amongst the people.
“We are happy today because individuals and corporate organisations such as the Beautiful Gate Handicaps People’s Centre can see our achievements, identify with us and support us in our drive to carry every citizen along the path of peace and unity.”
He said the physically challenged did not choose to be in that adverse condition, saying a lot of them were born healthy but were disabled by unfortunate incidences such as disease, natural disasters and hazardous workplaces.
“In the Nigeria Army, for example, a lot of our personnel have become disabled as a result of bomb blasts, gunshots and the hazardous nature of the fight against insurgents in the North East.
“I call on leaders at all levels and the civil society organisations to see the physically challenged as important to fostering unity, tolerance, peace and development in society.”
The Chief Executive Officer of Beautiful Gate and Handicap People’s Centre Jos, Chief Ayuba Burki encouraged the physically challenged to make the most use of the opportunity they have to become self-reliant.
“As you go today, go with the determination that you conquer disability and that you can conquer your world and can make the contribution you were supposed to make to nation building from the challenged that has come your way”.
He explained that the centre was planning to go to the North East where a lot of people were affected as a result of polio the insurgency in the area hindered them.
Burki noted that the centre will continue to contribute immediately in searching for people with physical disabilities and provide them with mobility to enhance their accessibility.
