by Bulus Izang, TQM correspondent, Jos
On the 22 of July this year, the remains of a friend and a right activist for the rights of persons with disabilities on the Plateau, late evangelist John Amadi Damshakal, was laid to rest in his home town kadunu Village, Gindiri, in Mangu local government of Plateau state.
The late Damshakal, served as the state chairman, International Years of Disability Person ( IYDP), where he pioneered the formation of Joint Association of Disability Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) in Plateau state, that has become a National Association of Persons with Disabilities to ensure community based rehabilitation of those with disabilities.
The IYDP, Plateau State Chapter, under his leadership excelled in the provision of felt needs of persons with disabilities, these included attracting Buk Net Limited, for the provision of the following infrastructural facilities: 3 block classes for Marga Leprosy and Rehabilitation Centre Alushi, Akwanga now in Nasarawa State, a workshop for Vocational Training Centre for the Blind zawan, A brand new Toyota Bus and equipment as well as scholarship for 5 persons with disabilities to pursue vocational skills acquisition at Relevant Technology Centre, Jos, the establishment and the expansion of workshops for shoemaking by people with disabilities and many more.
All the funds raised were community based and the various Institutions were engaged under synergy with IYDP State Committee to ensure timely execution of the programs and project.
The Plateau state IYDP 1981 implementation Committee was adjudged the Best in Nigeria.
The Man,evangelist John Amadi Damshakal, the wazirin Langai, Dan Masanin Pyem, is indeed a man who lived life to add real value to the community of persons with disabilities, not only in Plateau, but in Nigeria.
He is celebrated by:
His wife, Mrs Lydia John Amadi Damshakal
His Children, Grand Children and Spiritual Children.
Our Father and Friend, Sleep well in the Lord Christ Jesus.
In attendance at his funeral service at ECWA Church Dadin Kowa in Jos south includes:
= The Chairman, Join of National Associated of Persons With disabilities Plateau State Chapter,
Mr . Shindol Aaron
= Mr. Bala Dakup.
A Director with the Plateau State Disability Rights Commission.
=Mr. MaKop Mansok Danladi.
A person with disability and a lecturer with the Plateau State polytechnic.
And other members of community of persons with disabilities on the Plateau.
