No fewer than five thousand persons living with disabilities (PWDs) from the 44 local government areas of Kano State have benefited from an empowerment initiative facilitated by AA Zaura. The beneficiaries gathered on Thursday at the Darul Tauhid Event Centre in Kano metropolis, where empowerment forms were officially distributed as part of efforts to promote inclusion and economic participation.
Speaking at the event on behalf of AA Zaura, Alhaji Ado Abdullahi Zaura said the initiative was aimed at discouraging street begging and encouraging self-reliance among PWDs across the state. He explained that the programme was part of a broader commitment to support vulnerable groups and ensure they are integrated into productive economic activities within their communities.
Alhaji Ado, a former Deputy Chairman of Ungoggo Local Government Area, noted that years of neglect and insufficient support from government and well-meaning individuals had forced many persons with disabilities into street begging. He stressed that the empowerment programme was designed to reverse that situation by providing sustainable means of livelihood that could help beneficiaries earn a decent living.
According to him, AA Zaura decided to intervene by offering different empowerment opportunities, including start up capital for small-scale businesses, sewing machines, scholarships, and other forms of assistance. He added that the support was structured to reflect individual needs, interests, and capacities, with attention also given to educational advancement for interested beneficiaries.
He further disclosed the introduction of a new initiative tagged the AA Zaura Aqidah Programme. Under the scheme, 27 participants will be selected from each ward across the state to benefit from additional empowerment support, with particular focus placed on youths and long-term capacity building.
Also speaking, Hon. Garba Nuhu Darki, former member of the Kano State House of Assembly representing Wudil Constituency and Director-General, Political Contact and Mobilization of the AA Zaura Movement, said the large turnout of PWDs reflected AA Zaura’s vision and leadership direction. “To me, the gathering I witnessed today reflects the direction of AA Zaura’s ambition, especially considering that this empowerment programme is exclusively for persons living with disabilities,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the support provided and to continue supporting the movement to help achieve its broader political aspirations. Earlier, Chief Protocol of the movement, Abubakar Yawale, also known as Baba Yawale, said PWDs hold a special place in the heart of AA Zaura, noting that for over 20 years, AA Zaura has consistently supported persons with disabilities to improve their wellbeing and productivity.
In his remarks, Isa PA assured beneficiaries that empowerment programmes were being planned. He disclosed plans to procure hearing aids for persons with hearing impairments, walking sticks for the visually impaired, and electric wheelchairs for physically challenged persons.
