Determined to rid the streets of Kano metropolis of beggars and other destitute that state officials said constitute nuisance, the Kano State government has mapped out skill acquisition programmes that will help in developing their innate potential.
Special Adviser to Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso on Disabled Persons, Alhaji Usman Yusuf Usman revealed that “already, over 500 beggars have been taken off the streets of Kano. They have been duly registered and accredited for the new empowerment scheme designed to give hope to the hopeless.”
Alhaji Usman, who disclosed this to reporters in Kano, said the registration exercise was going on at various road junctions, roundabouts, and traffic-control lights where disabled persons and other destitute have remained common sight.
According to him, those already at the centre are elated; and they have demonstrated their happiness in participating in the skill acquisition programme.
“They will also undergo training in elementary businesses like selling of recharge cards, and essential commodities. They will also be trained in mechanic work, handset repairs, tailoring and welding,” he said.
The Special Adviser stated that most of the beggars, especially the physically-challenged indulged in begging because of hardship. They had to find a way to survive.
Usman further said that those who have been evacuated from the streets for the purpose of the training programme were the cripple, lepers, the blind, the deaf and dumb.
He stated that the measure is part of government’s efforts to eradicate street-begging in order to dignify humanity, even as he said that the present administration of Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso is sensitive to the plights of people with disabilities.
“Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has, to this end, directed the Office of Disabled Matters to conduct statistics of destitute on the streets to enable the government to work out a programme that will cater for their needs,” he said.
Usman appealed to the beggars and destitute to avail themselves of this opportunity by registering at centres of their choice, so as to make a decent living.
The Special Adviser, however, commended the Disabled Persons Association (DPA) for their continued support to the state government.
