By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, in collaboration with Beautiful Gate...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, in collaboration with Beautiful Gate Handicap People Centre, an NGO based in Jos, has donated 100 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Kebbi State.
The initiative was inspired and originally launched by a teacher at Dr. Amina College, Birnin Kebbi, Malama Halima Danjuma-Fatauchi.
Speaking during the distribution ceremony held on Wednesday in Birnin Kebbi, Danjuma-Fatauchi recounted how she was moved to act after witnessing the hardship faced by persons with disabilities who were forced to move on their hands under the scorching sun.
“I broke into tears and promised myself that I would use part of my salary to buy wheelchairs, even if it’s just five,” she said.
She explained how her online research led her to discover Beautiful Gate Handicap People Centre via Facebook. After reaching out, she learned each wheelchair cost about N160,000. Determined to do more, she sought additional support.
“I contacted the Special Adviser to the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Bashar Aliyu Buhari, who influenced the minister to boost my effort and increase the number to 50,” she said.
Moved by her dedication, the founder of Beautiful Gate Handicap People Centre further donated an additional 50 wheelchairs, along with crutches, bringing the total to 100.
Chairman of Bagudu Boys, Sadiq Nura, commended Senator Bagudu’s humanitarian gesture, particularly his commitment to supporting persons with disabilities in Kebbi State. He also called on affluent individuals and politicians in the state to emulate the senator’s example.
Sandra Yilgwan, Public Relations Officer of Beautiful Gate Handicap People Centre, said the organization has been working for over two decades to support people living with disabilities.
“We’ve been operating since 1999, and so far, we’ve distributed over 40,000 wheelchairs. We do not discriminate—over 90 percent of our beneficiaries are Muslims,” she noted.
Yilgwan added that the founder of the organization is himself a polio survivor, which fuels his unwavering commitment to the cause.
Several beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the donors, offering prayers for divine blessings and continued support.
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