By Razaq Bamidele
Over five thousand physically challenged persons received wheelchairs, crutches and other walking aids at the Day 45 of Pre-Inauguration Hangout of admirers and supporters of the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event which took place at Unity Fountain, Abuja on Thursday 11th of May had many dignitaries in attendance including the daughter of the president-elect, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, the Senator-elect for Plateau Central Senatorial District, Diket Plang, Deputy national woman leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajiya Zainab Ibrahim.
Others in attendance included; Deputy Secretary of the dissolved APC, PCC, Chris Takar, Dr Charles Silvester and Chief (Mrs) Temitope Ajayi.
In his welcome address, the convener of the Hangout, Tosin Adeyanju disclosed that 5000 tricycles, regular wheelchairs, walkers, special walkers, crutches among others were ready to be distributed to people living with disabilities at the event. Thousands of the walking aids were seen parked at the Unity Fountain venue of the event which was jam-packed with crowds, security agencies and many BAT supporters and the beneficiaries of the gesture.
Tosin Adeyanju noted that the gesture was part of Asiwaju’s kind gesture to vulnerable Nigerians and to show that nobody will be left out in his incoming administration.
“It is heart-warming to note that today’s event involves the distribution of five thousand tricycles, wheelchairs to our brothers and sisters.”
He applauded the gesture of Hon. Ayuba Gufwam who donated the materials, describing him as a pride of the nation and lover of the common man and a trusted supporter of the Asiwaju presidential race and victory.
In her remarks, the daughter of the president-elect, and the Iyaoloja-General, Chief (Mrs) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, said, “I am delighted to see supporters of my father gathered here for the past 45 days celebrating the victory of democracy in Nigeria.
“I can assure you of a better Nigeria, you all know that he has done it before and you can trust what to expect from him after inauguration on May 29.”
She therefore prayed for the organizers of the hangout and further commended the effort of Hon Ayuba in making the materials distributed available to those whom she described as ‘special people’.
In his remark, Hon Ayuba Gufwan said he would continue to support Asiwaju in this critical sector of the society.
While giving his own remarks, Dr. A.A Maiagogo, Co-Convener of the Hangouts, appreciated God Almighty for Asiwaju’s victory in the last presidential election, the grace God has given his supporters to be present at the Hangouts for 45 days non-stop and still counting.
He further appreciated the presence of the eldest daughter of the President-elect, Chief (Mrs.) Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, all elected officials on the platform of the APC present at the event and thousands of BAT supporters at the venue.
He re-emphasized the promise that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as president would put smiles on the faces of vulnerable Nigerians and make sure that there is peace and security in the country.
He, however, pleaded with Nigerians to give the President-elect enough time to fix things properly and shouldn’t allow over expectations to dampen their spirit.
“When the new administration is inaugurated on May 29 Insha Allah, I plead with Nigerians to give the incoming President time to fix the numerous challenges of the country. He certainly cannot fix everything overnight or in one month or six. Let’s be patient with him and I can assure you that he will deliver on all the promises he made during the campaign trail” he concluded.
The daily Hangouts continue until after the inauguration of the new President on May 29.