A couple with disabilities engaged in production of household hygiene items have been empowered by a foundation in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The lucky couple are Mr and Mrs Nurudeen Hussein.
Trained by the Nigeria Directorate of Employment (NDE) in 2014, Mr Nurudeen produces insecticide, air fresheners, and disinfectants, among other items. Meanwhile, his wife sells engine oil at the Federal Secretariat Complex, Ilorin.
Presenting a sum of N100,000 to the beneficiaries at the 4th edition of ‘Hero of the Month Award’ programme, held on Thursday, 19th August, Mrs. Khadijat Eyitanwa Lawal, head of media and publicity, the Gobir Foundation, said the foundation selected Mr Nurudeen as the month’s ‘Hero’ for his determination not to beg in the face of disability. He had rather focused on his trade.
According to the media expert, the gesture aimed to encourage the beneficiary to improve his trade, take proper care of his wife, (also physically challenged) as well as their three children.
She remarked that the award was meant to assist and encourage individuals who are doing well in various fields of society. “We came across the story of the couple and did some investigation. Both are physically challenged and chose not to beg. From our findings, they truly deserve the award.
“This is a big lesson. A number of people are physically okay but decide to beg. The couple here are doing well and happy. We are happy and assured that the gift isn’t a waste. We are also appreciative of the founder, The Gobir foundation, Waziri Yakubu Gobir.”
Read Also: Imo First Lady Visits Deaf Couple, Donates Gifts And Cash.
Guardian of the couple, and Manager, News and Current Affairs (NTA Ilorin) Mrs Iyabode Olorunsola, also spoke at the event. By her narrative, “I came across Nurudeen one day and decided to give him money but he refused. That roused my journalistic instincts. I wanted to know how he survives. Subsequently, I did a report on him for the Newsline, and some money was raised. Since then we’ve been in touch to see how they are doing. My investigations also revealed that the wife was abandoned as a child. Somehow, through Divine Providence, their paths crossed at the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities in the State. The wife has no limbs.
“It’s amazing the high quality air fresheners, petroleum jelly, etc, which this man produces. We, like many others, patronize his products which we use in our office. What’s more, Mr. Hussein is a contented person.”
It was also gathered that Nurudeen who developed his disability through an un-named ailment at age five, attended Primary School and College, (Muyideen Arabic) in Ilorin. He aso participated in the NDE training programme.
Responding, the beneficiary showed appreciation for the gesture. He expressed hope to expand his business, train others and get a shop.
Hussein narrates his experience on going through a lot of hardship. However the determination to be something in life has kept him on. He reiterates: “I don’t want to beg’. I want my children to be greater than their father – educated, responsible citizens of this country”. He also thanked his wife and guardian.
Inclusive news network