The Executive Director of Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre Jos, Chief Ayuba Gufwan Burki has admonished Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) not to see their predicament as kiss of death nor allow same to deter them from attaining their destinies.
“Disability is not a kiss of death but a situation that can be overcome” he posited.
Chief Burki encouraged them to acknowledge the fact that they possess special abilities needed for Nation building.
He said the centre was established in 1999 to cater for persons with disabilities as well as bridge the gap between polio eradication and rehabilitation.
He lauded the Executive Chairman of Bogoro LGC, Hon. Iliya Habila (JP) for his exceptional leadership and urged the people to give him the needed support to attract more development to the area.
He urged the beneficiaries to prove to the world that there are abilities in disabilities.
He urged government at all levels to ensure that polio Survivors are rehabilitated to contribute to national growth and development.
He gave an account of former United States 32nd President Senator Franklin Roosevelt who ruled on the wheelchair for 12 Years (from 1933 – 1945) and encouraged those living with disabilities not to give up but develop themselves.
He disclosed that he has seen persons with other special needs that require intervention promising to give same urgent attention.
He made case for the employment of persons with disabilities to contribute their quota to the development of the Area and Nation at large.
Chief Ayuba Gufwan made these known while distributing 100 Wheelchairs to Persons With Disabilities at Bogoro Local Government Council Secretariat, Bauchi State.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Bogoro LGC, Hon. Iliya Habila (JP) who was flanked by his Deputy Hon. Gideon Lande and other top Management Staff commended Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Centre Jos for the humanitarian gesture and for identifying with the downtrodden who are living with one form of disability or the other.
He appreciated the Executive Director, Chief Ayuba Gufwan for the intervention at Easter, a period of reflecting on the essence of being alive.
He urged the people to live the lives of impact to humanity as admonished by Mother Theresa.
He urged the beneficiaries not to succumb to their physical challenge but work towards adding value to humanity and the society.
He disclosed that his administration will give priority to all groups of people irrespective of their social and economic status whether they are strong or weak or have disability or not.
He said his administration has prioritized human capital development with special focus on women and youth through strategic skills acquisition and other empowerment so they can also train and impact others.
He urged the people to continue to pray for the Council and accord them the necessary supports to succeed in governance.
Others who spoke included Hon. Ibrahim Muhammad Inuwa Director of Education and Social Development Department Bogoro LGC, Village Head of Lusa (Mai Gunduma Lusa) HRH Dauda Zabas and the Chairman of PLWD Bogoro LGA, Mr. Yohanna Mbula who all lauded the gesture of the donors of the Wheelchairs saying they have never witnessed such intervention in the area and neighboring Local Government Areas.
They charged those present to demonstrate empathy and love to people with disabilities.
They called for the construction of buildings that are friendly to people with disabilities. They also charged them to acquire formal education and be relevant.
They called on government at all levels and spirited individuals to come to the aid of the people.
Some of the beneficiaries who couldn’t hide their joy appreciated Beautiful Gate Centre for the humanitarian assistance and prayed God to avail more opportunities so the centre can do more.
Others present at the event were Mrs. Rakiya Kurara, Mr Iliya Bama Director of Health of the Council, Mr Amos Faruk PDP Chairman Bogoro LGA, Councillors, illustrious sons and daughters of the area.
