By Chinenye Chukwuma
The member of governing board of National Commission for Persons with Disabilities representing South East zone Hon. Onyejelam Jaja Okparaku has extolled President Buhari for his show of love for persons with disabilities in the country.
Hon Jaja Okparaku made the commendation when he visited His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr Thomas Agu Obiefule the National President, Association of Royal Traditional Rulers of Nigeria at his Nigeria’s Corporate Existence Commemorative palace Umudioka ancient kingdom, Orlu Imo state during an interactive section.
He thanked President Buhari for this struggle of having a Commission for Persons with disabilities which he said started over 20 years ago. Hon Okparaku noted that the aim of his visit to Eze Obiefule is to solicit for his blessing as Eze gburu gburu in the S/E, and also seek for his partnership and support as regards to persons with disability.Hear him, “we have persons with disabilities who cannot help themselves, those who cannot work or go to school, they needs assistance of not only the government but individuals”.
He, however appeal to Eze Obiefule to use his position as number 1 Eze in S/E to see how they can reach their brothers and sisters who God has bless to raise assistance if not fund,it can be crutches, clothing, wheelchair so that they can use it to touch these people because it is not really easy to have a disability.
Speaking on job employment for persons with disability, Hon Okparaku said, ” I have observed that when they are doing community discussion, persons with disabilities are not part of Eze’s cabinet.
“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to you to use your contracts to see how it can be domesticated so that our members will be carried along at the community level so that any dividends or developmental projects that will come into the community be consider that people with disabilities will have access to a lot of things”.
He expressed satisfaction with the policies and programs of the state government under Governor Hope Uzodinma,explaining that the involvement of the Traditional Rulers in the affairs of the state was an indication that Governor Uzodinma’s administration was that of the people.
Hon Okparaku use the opportunity to appreciate Senator Osita Izunaso whom he said was the anchor person, the pioneer advocate who use his resources and political contacts to ensure that Mr President give assent to that bill, adding that today a commission have been established.
Responding, His Imperial Majesty Eze Dr TA Obiefule of Umudioka Ancient kingdom Orlu thank President Buhari for establishing the Commission for persons with disabilities describing it as a welcome development, pointing out that it has placed Buhari on top of every other President in this country, according to him. ” Buhari is the only President that has remembered persons with disabilities “.
Eze Obiefule noted that the Commission the Head of state have established will go along way to alleviate the sufferings of people with disabilities. He assured them that he will do his best and also use his contacts and network to make people assist them.
