The Rector of the Enugu State Polytechnic (ESPOLY), Reverend Father Nnamdi Nwankwo, has challenged persons with disabilities not to see their disability as an excuse to live a hopeless life.
Father Nwankwo reminded them that there is a lot of hope for them to live, fulfil and actualise God’s plan for their lives.
The ESPOLY Rector stated this on Friday in Enugu during an event organised by a non-governmental organisation, Initiative for Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment of the Disable (IFEPED) to provide Mobility Aids to People with Disabilities.
The Catholic priest reiterated that God has plans and assignments for everyone on earth, irrespective of one’s physical or psychological condition, hinting that the plan must be fulfilled.
“You are a champion, irrespective of the deformity.
“For being born, one is a winner. For the fact that you were not killed before birth, the future is bright.
“Respect yourself no matter your situation in life. Stop saying negative words or having negative thoughts about yourself, rather be positive.
“Your destiny is in the hands of God. Physical disability cannot stop you from achieving your destiny”, Fr. Nwankwo advised.
The priest recalled that as the principal of the College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, he took care of children with disabilities, despite the failure of the government to fulfill their obligation for them.
A former Ministry of Aviation, Mrs Fidelis Njeze, represented by Barrister Ngozi Chibuoke, urged those with disabilities to have faith and self-confidence in themselves.
Njeze noted that their faith and self-confidence would enable to fulfil God’s purpose and warned them against allowing depression, frustration and intimidation to get hold of them, no matter the situation.
Also, the wife of Enugu state governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, promised to better the plight of persons with disabilities in the state, by linking them to international organisations that would assist them to ensure they are not left behind.
The wife of the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Mrs Peace Nnaji, said the ministry is proud to associate with people with disabilities, adding that they would not hesitate to assist them when called upon.
However, the IFEPED President, Mr Victor Ugwu, solicited more state government’s attention and support towards the activities of the organisation, to enable them to empower more persons with disabilities.
The high point of the event featured a presentation on mobility aid, including wheelchairs and clutches as well as awarding scholarships to some persons with disabilities.
