By Muhammad Goronyo,Sokoto
As Nigeria celebrates 60 years of Independence and the directives by the state government for schools to resume studies on the 11th of October, Maryam Mairo Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Legacy Initiative has set to assist students of both boarding and day students with palliatives, reading aides materials to adequately prepare for resumption to their respective schools.
The initiator of the legacy, Maryam Mairo Aminu Waziri Tambuwal 3years ago, the Sokoto state government under the leadership of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Flagg off what was described as Nigeria’s largest schools enrollment drive cwhich targeted 1.4m new intakes.
“To ensure the achievement of the objective, the state government also launched the State Cash Transfer Scheme, the Nigerian Partnership for Education Project and the prototype early childhood centres.
” However, the covid-19 pandemic has had negative impact on the education sector resulting in the closure of schools for seven months. This has affected the ambitious drive of the government in its efforts to enroll, retain and ensure smooth transition to school across the state “.
She submitted that violence against women, particularly domestic violence and rape are widespread and has increased the vulnerability of women in HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.
She said as part of efforts to address the ugly situation, the Initiative has put in place short, medium and long-term measures that will ensure substantial reduction in gender based violence amongst women. girls and boys.
Maryam also disclosed that in realization of the fact that the most potent weapon in the against poverty is skill acquisition, the reason why the Legacy purchased start up materials as conventional and binding machines, reading aids, food items for distribution to women and school children among others.
Earlier speaking during the ceremony, the state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Community Development Professor Aisha Madawaki Isah prayed for guidance and commended Maryam Mairo Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Legacy Initiative for the efforts and consideration saying the initiative has widen its concern and scope for widows and theneedy proving almost all social amenities where and when needed at the right time.
She said the initiator is a lady of substance that has the people of the state irrespective of their culture,religion and tribal differences at heart.
The Executive Chairman of the state Zakkat and Endowment Commission, Mallam Lawal Maidoki in his presentation said thousand of indigenes benefitted with different items donated by the Legacy established years ago.
Maidoki supported his submission with Qur’anic verses the rewards of those who assist others especially in the time of needs.
“Oh you who believe give out of what We have provided you”, and this giving does not only apply to beings alone but also to animals,insects and living creatures as well.
He said the initiator should be considered as a leader created to help the poor and the needy.
Speaker after speaker all commended the initiator and the Legacy for their consideration and assistance to students,orphans and the needy.
They said for development to be recorded,hunger and poverty should be eradicated from the society.
The colourful event was celebrated with cultural dances and presentation of the Palliatives to respective school