Vocational equipment of different types were handed over to some people living with disabilities by the state government through the Ministry of Children and Women Affairs.
The program which was in conjunction with Office of the Governor on Persons with Disabilities was held at Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka.
The program which was the state government interactive session with persons living with disabilities on inclusive policies and programs, attracted members of the Associations of People living with Disabilities across the state.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Willie Obiano, said his administration is running an all inclusive government and have given voice, concern and equal attention to disabilities community.
Governor Obiano represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Disability Matters, Barrister Chuks Ezewuzie, recalled that the present administration has signed into law, the Disability Rights which prohibits discrimination against persons living with disabilities and has mandated that all projects to be cited in the state must be handicap accessible.
The Commissioner for Children and Women Affairs, Lady Ndidi Mezue represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Hope Ekesiobi, said the Ministry has four technical departments including the Rehabilitation Department which has given the physically challenged much attention including empowerment in various ways so as to make life meaningful for them.
For the Director of Rehabilitation Department, Mr. Jude Nwakaeme, the present administration holds in high esteem, activities of persons with disabilities and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring they continue to improve their lives in all aspects.
In his remarks, the chairman on the occasion, Mr. Ugochukwu Okeke who is the state Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, said the event is unique and historic as different Ministries, Departments and Agencies will deliberate on inclusive policies and commended Governor Obiano for running a transparent and open government.
In a paper presentation on “inclusive and policy program for the disabilities,” Mrs. Josephine Aguoji of Colombia University, New York, maintained that physically challenged persons should not be isolated but be integrated into the mainstream of all policies while they keep monitoring people around to ensure they did not violate their rights.
While commending the state government for empowering them, the best web design student in the just concluded programs organized by the Ministry of Women Affairs for the disabled, Miss Ncheta Nwanokwara, expressed happiness over the equipment provided them, stating that it will go a long way in making them self reliant. (ABS)
