By Suleiman Anyalewechi
In a bold move to encourage, reassure, and integrate persons living with disabilities ,the Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Zulum late on Friday April 26 2024 at a ceremony at the Government House Maiduguri, announced automatic employment offers to 15 persons living with disabilities in the state’s civil services.
The beneficiaries ,most of them the blind ,recently braced all odds to acquire varying educational qualifications ranging from degrees, National Certificate in Education NCE, National Diplomas ND and Certificates in Vocational trainings.
Governor Zulum while promising to create the enabling environment for challenge persons to attain and realise their lofty ambitions ,expressed delight that the beneficiaries despite odds ,persevered to break the barriers imposed by disability.
“I am delighted to note that despite your disabilities, you people are not lazy ,. You decided to pursue education and for this ,I want to commend you .
I have directed the Commissioner of Education,to process your applications for employment for my immediate approval .
Therefore,I want to bring to your kind notice that you will be on the payroll of Borno state Government effective May 1, 2024 ” Governor Zulum stated.
The feat and resilience of the beneficiaries is coming against the backdrop of known disturbing tendencies among many capable youths within the state and the region in general to resort to alms solicitations and or engaged in unwholesome activities to eke out a living.
To ensure that a conducive environment is enthroned to assist those who despite being challenged are encourage to pursue their legitimate aspirations,the Governor further directed the Commissioner of Education, Engr.Lawan Abba Wikilbe , to embark on an immediate review of the schools for the Blind and other Special Educational institutions in the state ,with a view to restructuring,rehabilitating and equipping them adequately for the training and education of people living with disabilities .
This is even as he has green lighted the Education ministry to incorporate the teaching of Special Courses in the academic programmes of the state owned College of Education in Barma .
” I am happy that they ( beneficiaries) have obtained their qualifications in different in fields of study . Let us therefore strengthen the College of Education in Barma to start delivering courses on Special Education” Prof. Zulum noted.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Association Of the Blind ,Borno state chapter, Mohammed Mustapha ,while expressing gratitude to Governor Zulum for the employment opportunities offered to his members ,appealed for the continued support and encouragement of the Government to people living with disabilities ,as well as the provision of equal opportunities .
