The Akwa Ibom state government Thursday donated equipment worth millions of naira to People living with Disability (PWD) in the state.
The equipment comprised body-support machines and other vocational tools which include; cartons of generating set, salon equipment, sewing machines, clutches, wheelchairs, among others.
Speaking during 2020 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan, in Uyo said the gesture became necessary as a way to nip the barriers among the disabled.
Adiakpan said the state government remained one of the few states in the country dedicated to the remembrance of people with disabilities so as to strengthen their sense of belonging in the society.
She commended Governor Udom Emmanuel for always making good and friendly policies favourable to the disabled.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the governor of Akwa Ibom state, His Excellency, Mr Udom Emmanuel, and his amiable wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel, who has practically demonstrated uncommon love for persons with disabilities in this administration.”
Naming areas the government has touched the disabled over the years, Adiakpan said it is clearly seen in the consistent provision of mobility devices, financial empowerment, educational materials and scholarship for students with disabilities, sponsoring of skill acquisition programmes, among others.
She urged the disabled persons to leverage on the gesture of the government and make optimum use of the equipment to live a better life while contributing to society.
On her part, the state President Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities, Deacon Offiong Bassey appreciated the state government for always looking inwardly to the condition of disabled persons, adding that street begging has become a taboo in the association.
Also speaking, the National President of the association, Mrs Ekaette Umoh, thanked the government for its laudable gesture towards the disabled, appealing for the state to enact social protection policy to pilot the affairs of the disabled within the society.
However, the government also donated musical equipment to the PWD choir.
