How Sen Al-Makura’s persistence gave rise to PLWD commission


Former Nasarawa state governor now a serving senator, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, has not hidden his solidarity with persons living with disabilities especially in the state. MOHAMMED YANGIDA writes on his sterling records in that regards. 
From the very beginning, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura felt duty-bound to the vulnerables, particularly people living with disabilities (PLWDs).Indeed by all indices of good governance, he has proved to be a worthy ambassador of those class of people.Owing to his unprecedented achievements as governor, the people of Nasarawa-south senatorial district during the 2019 polls; therefore rewarded him with a senatorial seat to represent them in the 9th Senate after his eight years sojourn as governor.For many, his antecedents were sure that the good people of the senatorial district would benefit from his effective representation.Al-Makura, who served as governor of the state from 2011 to 2019, is not only good at managing resources, but also reputed as having resounding human relations such that everyone, who once came across him often told of his large-heart and generosity, not minding one’s status and social inclination.

More so, he was able to restore the hope of the people living with disabilities just as he left no one in doubt that his quality representation at the National Assembly can change the fortunes of those category of people for the betterment of the society. This he did by sponsoring bills that has direct bearing on the lives of the citizens, especially disabled persons.


Some of his concrete steps


In his proactive steps to enhance the standard of living for PLWD, Al-Makura had made Nasarawa state the model for integrating people with disabilities into the fabric of society.For instance, right from his days as governor, he was and still a member of the Joint national association of person with disability (JONAPWO). Since then, he has continued to put into action the most comprehensive steps towards improving the lives of the disabled through establishment of comprehensive and integrated schools for persons living with disabilities across the three senatorial districts of the state.He had also taken over the payment of the school fees of PLWD from primary to tertiary levels and had awarded scholarships to some of them studying abroad. This is beside making provision for automatic employment for all persons living with any form of disability in the state.Furthermore, as a serving senator, on a monthly basis, he makes out time to interface with PLWDs and also give palliatives to them  in his senatorial district. According to him, “This is my constituency and they are people with different disabilities that I cherished so much .They are also dear to my heart .That is why I make a priority to always visit them and give them all the necessary attention.”We need to help people with disabilities to gain equitable access to opportunities in order to participate and contribute to their communities,” he said.


His continued struggle for equal opportunities


It could be recalled that on Tuesday 6, 2011, Al-Makura in his wisdom led JONAPWD to the  National Assembly in order to protest the refusal of former President Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the disability bill which sought to establish a commission for PLWDs.He noted that the essence of the visit was to remind the lawmakers about the need for President Jonathan to assent to the bill; therefore, appealed to them to urge the former president to sign the bill into law so that it can become functional as soon as possible.He insisted that people living with disabilities in the country are being discriminated against and denied the basic necessities of life as according to him, “People living with disability do not enjoy equal opportunities with other Nigerians.” 
All the efforts of Al-Makura and others like him are without doubt commendable. No wonder, he is described as the physically-challenged-  persons-friendly senator and one that has been at the forefront in the improvement of the standard of living for such persons in the state.


Dream fulfilled


Not too long ago while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for assenting to the discrimination against persons living with disability (prohibition) act 2019 provides for the establishment of the commission, Al-Makura as one of the people living with disabilities himself expressed happiness and fulfillment. He recalled with nostalgia sometimes in the year 2012 when he led people living with disabilities on a one million match to the National Assembly on the need to expedite all legislative processes towards the passage of disabilities law.He therefore, used the opportunity to thank his colleagues at the National Assembly for the passage of the law and showed his appreciation to the president for assenting to the bill.Al-Makura noted that the establishment of the commission would enhance the rights of physically- challenged persons and give them a sense of belonging in order to contribute their quota to national development.He said his group now has a commission and executives in place to cater for their needs, protect their rights and provide enabling environment for them to maximise their potentials, thrive and contribute valuably to the society and the nation as a whole.


His charge to PLWDs Consequently, Al-Makura tasked the people living with disabilities to take full advantage of the newly- established commission to showcase their talents by proving to the entire world that disability is not inability.He said the country would soon realise that the 25 million Nigerians living with disability are already adding value to the economic development of the country.”This would also go a long way in showcasing Nigeria and Nigerian’s government as an inclusive administration,” Al-Makura said.He said that this has lifted the psyche and mindset of the entire people living with disability. “This I belief has added some impetus of self-esteem by every Nigerian today who is living with disability.”According to Almakura, “Nigeria has now joined the comity of nations that have worked in line with the United Nation’s charter by creating a commission for people with disabilities.
PLWD show their appreciation
Leader of the people living with disabilities in Nasarawa state, Saleh Barde, expressed gratitude for the honour done to them by President Muhammadu Buhari for signing the disability bill into law and also establishing a commission for them. He equally thanked Senator Al-Makura for the struggle, saying, “Senator Al-Makura we remain grateful to you for fronting this.”The National Assembly Act that established the law criminalises all forms of discrimination against people living with disabilities in the country and enforces their rights and privileges which includes education, healthcare, priority in accommodation and emergencies. Furthermore, it stipulates that all public organisations are to reserve at least 5 ℅ employment opportunities for these category of persons, among others.The commission has as its chairman, Dr Hussaini Suleiman Kangiwa from North-west and the executive secretary as James David Lalu from North-central. Others are Oparaku Onyejelam Jaja, South-east; Philomena Isioma Konwea-South-south, Omopariola Busuyi, Oluwasola, South- west, Amina Rahma Audi, North-west, Esther Andcherished, North-central and Abba Audi Ibrahim, North-east.

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