Ebonyi govt. empowers 58 PLWDs with cash, materials
The Ebonyi government has empowered no fewer than 58 people living with disabilities (PLWDs) who graduated from its rehabilitation centre with cash and materials.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Deborah Okah, made the disclosure at a news conference in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Okah said that the centre had trained participants on basic skills in bakery, computer education, tailoring, wood work (carpentry), bead making, shoe making and hair dressing.
She said that the news conference was part of activities marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, scheduled for Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year’s Day is: “Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities toward an Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-COVID-19.”
She said that the theme was apt, given the development of disabled persons in the society, adding that the state government was committed to policies toward enhancing their wellbeing.
“We have been engaging international and local partners and civil society organisations in the realisation of our mandate.
“On our achievements, we have graduated more than 58 students and empowered them with materials and cash, for them to be employers of labour.
“As you know, my office is saddled with the core mandate of ensuring the advancement and wellbeing of Ebonyi women and girls and addressing the social inequalities that limit the attainment of their life goals,” she said.
The commissioner said that the plights of PLWDs in the state formed the fulcrum of the ministry’s work.
“Every Dec. 3, the international community commemorates the existence and essence of PLWDs, following the 1992 Proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly’s Resolution 47/3.
“Being disabled is not a negation but a condition that creates an inner energy for these people to live and be economically viable to the society and their families.
“We must create a conducive clime for them to realise such, given the certitude of their physical and mental dispositions,” Okah said.
She commended Gov. David Umahi on his continued support to the indigent persons in the state.
On the rehabilitation centre, Okah said that government had resolved to broaden its scope, especially the one at Ugwuachara, Ebonyi Local Government Area of the state. (NAN)
