By Martha Agas
#TrackNigeria: Mr Vitalis Lanshima, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), candidate for the Jos North/Bassa House of Representatives seat, has promised to establish a bank for People With Disabilities (PWDs
Lanshima, who addressed a press conference in Jos on Wednesday, said that the bank would focus on sourcing for, and giving loans, to PWDs, women and youths.
“The bank will seek monies from various sources and give same as loans to that vulnerable group of the society to establish their businesses and boost agriculture.
“The loans will be interest-free, or at minimal interest, so as to help people to have a source of livelihood,” he said.
Lashima, who lost his arms when he was 12 years, said that he had suffered much hardship, especially in his quest for education.
“I made several pleas and begged politicians and other Plateau leaders for assistance, but none came my way. It was not easy for me at all,” he said.
He sad that his experiences were responsible for his desire to sponsor bills that would improve educational funding and ease access to sponsorship funds by PWDs.
“The Law will create a system that will ensure that education fund is invested in children so that that they will not be siphoned by government officials or politicians.
“The local communities will also be expected to monitor these funds to ensure transparency in their administration,” he said.
He expressed worry over the “small” number of schools in his constituency, saying that his priority would also include facilitating construction of more schools.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the candidate won gold medals in athletics, when he represented Nigeria in several local and international sports festivals.
He is also a motivational speaker and the first immigrant to serve in Kentucky county in the United States. (NAN)
