Al-Makura celebrates birthday with the physically challenged

Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, on Thursday, celebrated his 66th birthday at the Comprehensive Special School with the physically challenged in Lafia.

Al-Makura, who joined the pupils in some of their recreational activities and had a lunch with them, explained that his decision was to inspire the pupils to fulfill their dreams in life.

He noted that his 66th birthday was memorable, being his last in office as the governor of the state.

Al-Makura said that he chose to celebrate it with the physically challenged, as his primary constituency, given his hearing impairment.

“This birthday celebration is very special and memorable to me being the last during my administration as the governor of Nasarawa State.

“So I chose to be with this category of people I have passionate for and always advocate for, as an inspiration to raise their hopes and brighten their future.

“I decided that there would be no fun fare and elaborate merriment for my birthday, but to be with the children living with disabilities at the Comprehensive Special School in Lafia.

“Today, I am here to be with my primary constituency to celebrate my birthday and let them know that any of them could become a governor or occupy a higher public office in the future,” he said.

Al-Makura said that the Comprehensive Special School was not only geared towards providing education to the pupils, but a total life reformation.

He said specialists in various areas of disability, were on ground to attend to the needs of all the wards.

The governor said the school would continue to seek expertise advice towards reversing some of the redeemable disabilities, especially partial visual impairment.

“Apart from giving them education, we would be monitoring the progress of the status of their disabilities to see the support and assistance we can give.

“We shall be provide glasses for those with partial visual impairment, hearing aids for the hard to hear, as well as those requiring certain mobility aids,” Al-Makura added.

He said his administration had put adequate structures in place to ensure that the school is sustained beyond his tenure in office.