Kano — As part of efforts to rid Kano streets of beggars, the state government has given 176 physically challenged people training facilities including computers, Braille, tricycles and deep freezers.

Distributing the items in Kano yesterday, the Special Adviser to Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Alhaji Safiyanu Ado Sharfadi, said the move was aimed at discouraging begging and restoring dignity to the handicapped.

He said government is determined to tap the latent potentials of its youths, women and the physically challenged through the numerous programs so that the state becomes a model. The governor charged beneficiaries to make the best use of the items for their own good and in the overall interest of the state.

On his part, the chairman of Dala local government council, Alhaji Mahmud Sani Madakin Gini, explained that the program is the fourth in a series designed to provide employment for the youths especially those from poor families and appealed to the state government to assist the local administration to realise its skills acquisition center project.

In a related development, Governor Shekarau has challenged the well-to-do in the state to compliment gove-rnment's effort to rid the state of the menace of beggars. He said this during the launch of Senator Kabiru Gaya's empowerment programme.

While commending the senator for the gesture which he described as being in line with his administration's poverty alleviation strategies, urged others to emulate him.

In his remarks, Senator Kabiru Gaya said the move is aimed at empowering women and youths in his constit-uency to enable them realize their potentials for the good of the country instead of wandering around villages and towns in search of non - existent jobs.

Senator Gaya explained that the items donated which are worth over N23m, include cars, tricycles, sewing mach-ines and motorcycles, adding that proceeds from the use of the items will be revolved to cater for the development of education in the constit-uency.