The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday distributed food and non food items to 300 households of People With Disabilities (PWDs) affected by rain/windstorm disasters in Kano State.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise was done in collaboration with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).
Speaking at the occasion, the Director-General of NEMA, Hajiya Zubaida Umar, said the beneficiaries were from eight communities in Ungogo Local Government Area of the state.
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Represented by Dr Nura Abdullahi, the Kano Coordinator of NEMA Territorial Office, Umar said the gesture was to address the immediate needs and support recovery efforts of the beneficiaries.
“I extend my deepest sympathies to the people of these communities, particularly those with disabilities, who were adversely affected by the 2024 windstorm and rainstorm incidents.
“We recognize the challenges you have faced and remain steadfast in our commitment to providing support and relief during these trying times.
“As citizens of this great nation, you have the right to be cared for in moments of hardship.
“This distribution exercise is a testament to our dedication to upholding that right and ensuring your needs are met” Umar said
According to her, the gesture to the PWDs was made possible by a request from the NCPWD for NEMA’s intervention.
“We approved the distribution of relief materials inline with the renowned hope agenda of the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed, to address the immediate needs of the affected persons” she added
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary NCPWD, Chief Ayuba Burki-Gufwan, commended NEMA for the support and show of concern to vulnerable people.
Represented by the NCPWD Officer, Women Agenda Unit, Hajiya Fatima Abubakar-Doki, Burki-Gufwan said the commission would continue to support and advocate for the rights and needs of PWDs.
“As we gather, I want to acknowledge the resilience and strength of persons with disabilities in the face of adversity. Your ability to adapt and overcome challenges is a testament to your courage and determination.
“As we respond to this humanitarian emergency, we are guided by the provisions of the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. Specifically, Section 25 of the Act states:
“We are committed to upholding this provision and ensuring that persons with disabilities receive the support and protection they need during times of crisis” Burki-Gufwan said.
Alhaji Adamu Aliyu-Kibiya, Kano State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, also applauded NEMA, NCPWD for the response in mobilizing the relief for the PWDs in Kano.
The Executive Secretary, Kano SEMA, Alhaji Isyaku Kubarachi, urged the beneficiaries not to sell the items to make judicious use of them for the purpose intended.
The NAN reports that items distributed include 257 bags of 25kg rice, 257 bags of 25kg maize, 257 cartons of spaghetti, 25 cartons of seasoning cubes, 30 bags of iodized salt and 30 cartons of tomato paste.
Others are 771 nylon mats, 771 blankets and 771 treated mosquito nets. (NAN)