By Agbo Christian Obiora
In a remarkable display of inclusive governance and compassion, the administration of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Through the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society, has extended vital cash relief to persons with disabilities who were severely affected by recent flooding in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The event, which took place on Monday, 6th October 2025, at the Nigerian Red Cross Headquarters, Maiduguri, brought together hundreds of beneficiaries from across different disability clusters — including the physically challenged, visually impaired, hearing impaired, persons with albinism, and persons affected by leprosy. Each beneficiary received a multi-purpose cash grant of ₦100,000, designed to help them rebuild their livelihoods and regain stability with dignity and hope.
Delivering his address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, emphasized that the initiative perfectly mirrors the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which rests on the pillars of inclusion, empowerment, and social protection for all citizens.
“This intervention is a direct reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which is built on inclusion and empowerment, ensuring that no one is left behind,” Hon. Isa stated.
He commended the President for his visionary leadership and for prioritizing persons with disabilities in his administration’s social investment and humanitarian interventions. According to him, the initiative not only provides financial assistance but also symbolizes dignity, equity, and renewed hope for Nigerians living with disabilities who are often the hardest hit during disasters.
Hon. Isa further lauded the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, for his unwavering commitment to improving the welfare and empowerment of persons with disabilities across the state. He also extended deep appreciation to the Nigerian Red Cross Society for its consistent partnership and frontline humanitarian response in times of crisis.
“I applaud the Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Alhaji Abubakar Ahmed Kende, for his exemplary leadership and to our partners on the ground for their dedication. Together, we are advancing inclusion and upholding human dignity, ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in humanitarian interventions,” Isa remarked.
The ceremony was attended by Dr. Bulama Mali Gubio, Chairman of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Borno State Branch, whose presence highlighted the organization’s strong commitment to community-centered relief. Also in attendance were representatives from the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, officials of the Nigerian Red Cross, and executive members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Borno State.
The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and emotion as beneficiaries expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Tinubu’s administration for the timely assistance. Many described the intervention as a “lifeline” that would enable them to restart small businesses, repair mobility devices, and regain a sense of purpose after the devastating floods.
This humanitarian outreach underscores the federal government’s unwavering commitment to building a nation where persons with disabilities are not just recipients of aid but active participants in national development. It also reaffirms the Renewed Hope Agenda as a policy framework rooted in equity, inclusion, and empowerment — giving every Nigerian, regardless of ability, the opportunity to thrive.
As the smiles of the beneficiaries lit up the Maiduguri Red Cross compound, one message was clear — under President Tinubu’s leadership, the spirit of inclusion is not just a slogan, but a living reality.
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