Christmas celebration: Gov Emmanuel fetes persons with disabilities
It was a time of celebration and encouragement that there is ability in any disability, as Akwa Ibom State governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel hosted a party to celebrate the yuletide with persons with disabilities in the state.
The event which coincided with the 2017 International Day of Persons with Disabilities in the state, also witnessed presentation of gift items and starter packs for some of them to start business.
The Governor, through the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare also presented four tricycles, sewing machines and five barbing equipment to crippled persons to start business.
Also, wheelchairs, crutches and recorders were also given to many cripple and blind persons.
The celebration which had as it theme: “Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all” had in attendance hundreds of blind, dump, crippled and other physical challenged persons who gathered at Ibom Hall along IBB Avenue, Uyo for the State Government Party.
Governor Emmanuel who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo urged the physically challenged to see their present condition as the work of God, who knows better than man.
The governor said: “Let me remind every one of you here that there is excellence in every man created by God, no matter the condition, so I want to urge every one of you to explore the excellence that God has exhibited in you.”
He promised to continuously support the persons with disabilities in the state, adding that his administration will reach out to every citizen of Akwa Ibom State.
Earlier, the state commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Dr Glory Edet explained that observation of the international day for persons with disabilities in the state is aimed at promoting understanding of disability issue.
She said: “This day seeks to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every sector of political, social, economic and cultural life of the society as well as display how a collaborative effort within schools, workplaces and other places to help breakdown the disability barriers and celebrate abilities.”
She commended Governor Emmanuel for sustaining an inclusive approach in governance through implementation of policies and programmes which positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities in the state.
The commissioner added that the governor since assumption of office has constantly provided mobility devices, financial empowerment, educational materials and scholarships for students with disabilities.
She stated further that the governor has sponsored skill acquisition programmes, provided different skill equipments and start up packs for those who have completed their trainings to start up business.
The President, Association of the Blind, Mr Ubong Udoh commended Akwa Ibom State government and Governor Udom Emmanuel for putting the welfare of persons with disabilities uppermost in his administration.
Bassey Willie, Uyo
