Imaobong Koffi
Persons living with disabilities across Akwa Ibom State has on Thursday been empowered financially and with entrepreneurial materials by the Akwa Ibom State government as part of her responsiveness to the disabled.
The donation took place at Ibom hall ground, as the State celebrates person's living with disabilities.
Speaking at the "2017 International day of persons with disabilities" at Ibom Hall, the State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel said his administration is working towards ensuring that the physically challenged persons are given more employment opportunities in the State.
The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Mr.Moses Ekpo charged them to always showcase their God's given talents while advising them to see their conditions as a challenge and not a limitation.
Assuring them of equal opportunities in all government sectors, Governor Udom Emmannuel enlightened them that excellence is not limited to the abled but also to the disabled.
He gave kudos to the Commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Dr.( Mrs.) Glory Edet for always carrying the less privileged along in her scheme of things.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Dr.(Mrs) Glory Edet thanked the state governor and his dear wife for their love and concern for disabled persons in the state.
She noted that the day was set aside by the United Nation General Assembly to promoting and understanding of disabilities issues, mobilise concerted advocacy and support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
She added that the 2017 celebration was significant as it marked the 2nd decade of implementation of the convention on the right of the disabled.
Dr. Edet while commending the Association of the blind, deaf, dumb and leprosy on their performances called for special attentions to issues concerning provision of full participation, accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the context of new urban development agenda.
The Commissioner used the occasion to advise beneficiaries of empowerment gestures to make good use of the enabling environment and inherent resources created by the state government to improve themselves.
In his remarks, the President of the joint Association of persons living with disabilities, Deaconess Offiong Bassey expressed gratitude to the state governor and his wife for the privileges and opportunities they have benefited in his adminstration.
Deaconess Bassey while acknowledging Akwa Ibom state as the most caring and concerned state for the less privileged on behalf of the Association pledged support for Deacon Udom Emmanuel in 2019.
On his part, Akparawa Okon Tom in his paper presentation advised parents to always sow seeds of faith, determination and courage in the lives of their children irrespective of their disposition .
He further beckoned on the society to stop stigmatizing persons with disabilities but instead show them appreciation, encouragement, empathy that could help them have some sense of belonging.
Equipments presented to persons living with disabilities ranges from digital recorder with memory card, armpit and elbow crutches, barbing equipments and accessories, sowing machines, tricycles,wheel chairs, moulding shoes amongst others.
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