By Theophilus Ukoha,
The royal family of the visually impaired Students Unizik Awka in collaboration with Joint association of people with disabilities JONAPWD, celebrated 2022 Ofala festival in grand style.
The event took place at Father Bona Adoration Ground Onitsha-Enugu express road by UNIZIK Permanent Site Awka.
the Ofala festival which is the fourth in the series attracted visually impaired and physically challenged students from universities within the South East, Special needs researchers, community leaders, Bina foundation for people with special needs, and Ndigbo Royal ordained Heritage, NIROH, commenced with cultural music dance competition between blind students from Unizik, IMSU, UNN, and Abia State University.
In his opening remarks the Spiritual Director Visually Impaired Unizik, Professor Bonachristus Umeogu, said it is a thing of joy to see the physically challenged people performing arts and skills which ordinarily should have been difficult considering their condition, charging those with any form of disability to be courageous to find something doing knowing that there is ability in disability.
The Special Adviser to Governor Soludo on Youth Empowerment Program, Dr Nelson Omenugha, represented by Dr. Anselem Onuorah, encouraged the group to continue to promote the rich cultural values of Ndigbo not minding their disability status, adding that Governor Soludo, has reaffirmed his resolve to give special attention to all those living with disabilities in the state.
In their individual remarks, Professor Williams Obiozo the Director Center for Disability and Special Needs Research, UNZIK, Dr Ogechukwu Aribodo and Dr Bibiana Okoli first female blind woman with PHD, all encouraged those with any form of physical challenge not to be discouraged in life rather move on with the much their ability can carry them.
Earlier while welcoming the guests, Igwe Malachy Azike the Royal Father for the visually impaired students, said he is full of joy for the way various groups and individuals accepted to identify with them during the festival and requested for support to help them in their academic pursuit, and future festival, while pleading with Governor Soludo to give appointment to some of their members who have graduated.
Award presentation to distinguish personalities, traditional dance and unveiling of the group brochure featured at the event.
