Ganduje, JIBWIS, Indian firm donate 190 artificial limbs to Kano amputees

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

Kano State Government in collaboration with Tolaram Foundation of India and Jama’atu Izalatul Bidi’a Wa’ikamatul Sunnah (JIBWIS), have donated 190 prosthesis limbs to amputees in the state.
Speaking yesterday, during a visit by Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who was represented by his deputy, Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, at the Muhammadu Buhari Specialist Hospital at Giginyu area, the lead physician who fixed the limbs to the beneficiaries, Dr Usman Idris Funtuwa, said Kano donated larger share in the project.
According to Dr Funtuwa, each limb costs about N400,000, but the state government, seeing the importance of the project, accepted the request for partnership from Tolaram and JIBWIS and ensured the project is actualised.
He added that, they initially decided to provide 120 slots to Kano government, but seeing its commitment, they added 70 more patients as a sign of appreciation.
Dr Funtuwa explained that each beneficiary had to make a formal application and undergo some screenings, thereafter, receive an identification number for the exercise.
He revealed that the project had cost over N175 million, stressing that the state government had provided higher fund.
He added that, JIBWIS, led by a Kano based renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Saleh Pakistan, in partnership with the Tolaram, had so far provided 3791 artificial limbs, within 5 years in Nigeria, adding that they are ready to return to Kano whenever the need arises.
In his remarks, Gawuna expressed delight over the project, revealing that when the two organisations contacted the state government, governor Ganduje swiftly accepted the offer.
“They came here about two months ago. They met his excellency governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who welcomed the proposal and assigned me to do everything possible to ensure the actualisation of this project.
“These people, initially allocated 120 slits to us, but seeing our commitment, they added 70 more slots for us. This is commendable,” Gawuna said
The Deputy Governor also revealed that the project did not restrict to Muslims only, stressing that, followers of other religions were also among the beneficiaries.
He, however, commended Ganduje for accepting the offer, adding that, the state government is willing to maintain the partnership for a long period for the benefit of the Kano citizens.
He also noted that the project would a long way in checking the menace of street begging, and help the beneficiaries to stand up and earn a living.