Nasarawa State governor, Umaru Tanko Almakura, spent at least N2.5 billion on physically challenged persons during his last tenure in office, according to findings by our correspondent in the state.

Our findings reveals that the funds were disbursed over the space of four years in funding the educational requirements and other policies targeted at people with special needs since 2011 in the governor’s bid to run an all-inclusive government.

Our findings also revealed that the total sum of N2,473, 921, 613.40 was spent on provision of special schools for the physically challenged and other sponsored programmes in the state.

Further details shows that three special schools for the Deaf, Blind and the Crippled are being constructed in Lafia, Akwanga and Keffi at the sum of N1, 745, 054, 613.40 to cater for their educational needs.

The special assistant to the governor on media and publicity, Ahmed Tukur who spoke with our correspondent said “The gesture is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the people and curb street begging.”

He further disclosed that so far, Almakura has  provided  free primary and secondary school education for the physically challenged  to  tertiary level.

He said between 2011 and 2014 the Nasarawa state government has paid final year National Examination Council (NECO) fees to the tune of N801, 922, 720.00 for students in the state irrespective of where they come from.

He then called on those living with disabilities to take advantage of the gesture to realise their potentials in life.

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