You are special to me, Gov Bello tells people with disabilities in Kogi State »

“I also have a special child who is very dare to me. These group is also soecial to me,” was how Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello began his emotion – laden speech to the state’s people living with special needs, as he referred to People Living with disabilities.

The Governor made reference to his son, Hayat, whom he said is very dare to him among his children, saying people with disabilities also deserve to be treated specially in all public institutions in the state and among citizens.

He gave the assurance today, Monday, amid tears, while playing host to the group at the Government House, Lokoja, saying he would ensure that the state’s law on People Living With Disabilities was implemented and obeyed by everyone.

He assured them that his administration would make sure nobody discriminates against them and thanked them for taking the lead even before those with so called abilities in endorsing him for another term, describing their action as laudable.

In his opening remarks, the Chief of Staff, Hon Edward Onoja, who also praised them for being the first group to endorse the consolidation project of Governor Bello said beyond the endorsement, they have also made some sourvenirs for the project.

He said the group has also expressed their desires to be part and parcel of the campaign process and actively participate in all campaign structures for the re – election of the Governor.

In his own address, Chairman of People Living With Disabilities in Kogi State, Comrade Ibrahim Arome described the Governor as a man that was rebuilding the state afresh since his assumption of office, considering all the structures he has been able to put in place.

Comrade Arome who further applauded the Governor for the opportunities he has given members of the group to serve in his administration, stressed that his passion and commitment to their cause which has made it easy for them to work for his re – election.

He said persons with disabilitues were only considered with the least appointments in the past even when being put into the equation despite the large community they command but that Govenor Bello has been able to change the narrative by making one of them a Senior Special Assistant.

The people with disabilities head also mentioned the present administration’s regular payment of monthly Disability Allowances into their account, also a first since the creation of Kogi State, a gesture he said has assisted them to acquire a plot of land in the name of the Association.

Other kind gestures of the Governor to the association, he added, include their inclusion in the executive of the APC, signing of the Disability Right Bill into law, free medical services among others.

In his closing remarks, the SSA on People Living With Disabilities, Hon Hassan Amodu thanked God for bringing the Governor to lead the state at the time he has, and applauded him for his doggedness and foresight as a Governor.

He said the government of Alhaji Yahaya Bello was creating a fresh foundation for the growth of the state because some of the problems of the state before now was tribalism, corruption and in-fighting for selfish interests.

The Governor’s aide therefore expressed satisfaction with his leadership style because he has set the state on the path of development hence his resolve and that of all their members to back the Governor for a second term.