IDPWD: Kwara holds para-sport, empowers scores
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Ministry of Social Development has organised a handball game for para-athletes from within and outside the state to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Held at the Handball Court of George Innih Stadium in Ilorin, the event saw Team Kwara winning the trophy after beating Team Ekiti 3-0.
The programme also featured trade fair and empowerment to scores of persons with disabilities. They were handed mobility aids, crutches, walking sticks, wheel chairs, and beading and shoe making kits.
Speaking at the programme on Wednesday, State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, said they organised the programme to show them love, ease their movement, and support their businesses to thrive.
She appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for supporting her office and for being passionate about the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.
“As you can see, we distributed mobility aids. We also gave away wheelchairs, tricycles, crutches, white cane, and sunscreen to albinos and a lot more,” she told reporters on the sideline of the event.
“Over the years, we have done a lot of programmes, such as skill acquisition for people with disabilities. Even through the Office of First Lady, the state has also empowered many of them with POS machines, and even cash transfers, just to make sure that they are inclusive in this government.
“And today, part of the things we are celebrating here is to showcase to the world that, yes, there’s ability and disability and they are all doing very fine. They are happy seeing us around them.”
Chairman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Coach Bolakale Mogaji, said the game and empowerment reflect the government’s love and support, adding that the gesture is capable of changing the mindset of parents who keep their children idle because of their physical challenge.
He said Governor AbdulRazaq is renowned for showing love to people with disabilities and commended his government’s investments in the welfare of the special children.
“As you are aware, the Governor is a lover of people with disabilities. He has done a lot for them. And he has not stopped doing it,” he said.
“What they are doing here today is marvelous. We are trying to celebrate the people living with disabilities. We are also empowering them to make life easier for them to move around.
“We thank His Excellency for giving back to everybody both the abled and disabled. In the sports sector, for instance, I can tell you that the Governor has given a brand new car to somebody living with a disability. He has not stopped doing it and I am sure he will continue in that direction.”