TQM report,
The Akwa Ibom State government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare Thursday, 1st month of April, 2021, marked the 2020 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The Celebration held at Women Development centre, IBB Way, Uyo had persons with disabilities from all the Local government areas in Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan said the observance of the day was geared towards the promotion and understanding of disabilities issues and to mobilize support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities.
She used the opportunity to specially appreciate the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and his wife, Dr Mrs Martha Udom Emmanuel for demonstrating uncommon love to persons with disabilities.
Dr. Adiakpan said government’s gestures are clearly seen in the consistent provision of mobility devices, financial empowerment, educational materials and scholarship for students with disabilities.
Dr. Adiakpan urged persons with disabilities to make optimum use of the enabling environment and inherent resources created by government to improve themselves.
In her words” live your dreams, rise to the faith of greatness and contribute your quota to the building of a sustainable and resilient society that embraces humanity in all its diversity.
In a presentation, the National President-Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mrs. Ekaette Judith Umoh called on the State Government to come up with policies and laws that would protect the right of persons with disabilities.
The president said The government should fashion out what she called Assistive Technology to transform, access and afford life-changing assistive technology for persons and also promote the Inclusive Education targets for the disabled.
Ekaette Umoh pointed out that there has been a paradigm shift in disability discourse.
The state chairman of the Deaf clusters, Mr Anietie Jackson in a goodwill message observed that patience is a key to success in life adding that, anger if not properly managed can destroy ones personality.
He particularly thanked the state Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel and wife, Dr. Martha Emmanuel for their continuous support to the disabled people.
The celebration which was disrupted and postponed last year because of the ravaging coronavirus had the theme ” Building Back Better, towards a disability- inclusive, accessibility and sustainable post Covid 19 work”
Some of the items donated to the persons with disabilities included sowing mechanics/equipments, salon kits, Generators, complete musical instrument and wheel chairs among others.
The beneficiaries were elated for the gesture and appreciated the State government’for interest in their wellbeing.
Dignitaries who attended the events were: The permanent Secretary Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs Margaret Edem, SA on Women Affairs Mrs Kate Ekong, National president Ekaette Judith Umoh, Akwa Ibom State President, Joint Association of persons with disability-Hon Deaconess Affiong Edet. Chairman Akwa Ibom State Association of Deaf, Mr Anietie Jackson, Chairman Physician handicap, Edmond Stanley, Chairman Idea, Obong Emem Timothy, chairman Nigeria Association of life of the blind Mr Ubong Ben, National P.R.O of the blind, Mr Ubong Udo.
