The Niger State Government continued with the distribution of special palliatives to physically challenged persons in Minna, the state capital, yesterday.
The Commissioner, Niger State Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Alhaji Ahmed Baba Sulaiman, speaking at the occasion, said the special distribution was aimed at cushioning the effect of the present economic hardship being experienced in the country.
He said the state government, under the leadership of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, has promised to ensure that the palliatives reach every person, regardless of their status, religion, tribe, or political affiliation.
Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed urged Fulanis, who were among those that received the palliatives in the Gurara area of the state capital, to live in peace and harmony with other people.
Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Bar Mairo Mohammed Mann, explained that the people living with disabilities were special people, and they should be treated differently because of the condition in which they found themselves, and their rights should therefore not be taken away as citizens. She therefore hoped that the palliative given by the state government will be judiciously used.
The distribution of special palliatives embarked upon by the ministry was also at the Leprosy Mission Chanchaga, Old People's Home, and Social Rehabilitation Centre, among others.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, a senior staff member at the social rehabilitation centre, Fatima Damidami, applauded the Niger State Government for the good work and promised to make judicious use of the items provided.