Gov El-Rufai Weeps Over Boy Blinded By Ritualists

Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, yesterday, broke down in tears when he met with five-year-old, Sàdiq Usman, whose two eyes were removed by ritualists in Zaria last year.


Little Sadiq, who was at the commissioning of the Yahaya Hamza Primary School in Zaria, refurbished by Airtel, is being trained by staff of Airtel under Staff Volunteer Scheme.

He has been enrolled at the Ango Abdullahi International School, where Airtel provided special equipment for his training.

Governor el-Rufai, moved by the sight of the little Sadiq, brought out a handkerchief to wipe his tears as he carried the little boy on his laps.

The Managing Director of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya, in his speech, said the company’s decision to adopt the Yahaya Hamza Primary School for renovation was part of its corporate social responsibility, anchored on the belief that education was a ticket to prosperity.

He said: “We believe good education is a human right. It is a ticket to prosperity. It creates a level-playing field for everyone to succeed. In recognition of the role education plays in the development of a community, Airtel Nigeria has decided, as part of our corporate social responsibility vision, to adopt Hamza Primary School, Zaria.”

Speaking on the plight of Sadik, Ogunsanya said the staff of Airtel under the Employee Volunteer Scheme contributed money to enrol the boy in a primary school in Zaria, where they pay his school fees.

He said they also pay for his aids like sophisticated Perkins Braille, Braille Coacher, Abacus, typewriter, tailors frame and a computer laptop so that the boy will be “empowered to learn to read and write and enjoy all the opportunities good education provides and lead a normal life.

“Our support will not just end here. Sadik is our adopted son and he will continue to be our priority and in our prayers.”