Items worth millions of naira have been distributed as an empowerment mechanism to twenty five less privileged and some Persons With Disabilities, (PWDs) by the Rotary Club Of Abuja Garki Neighborhood in the Federal Capital Territory.
The empowerment items includes sewing machines, Grinding machines, wheel chairs and an undisclosed petty traders funds package in thick envelopes for 10 traders.
The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Garki Neighborhood, Hajiya Zainab Omowunmi Owonikoko who distributed the items in Abuja, said the gesture was part of the club’s efforts to lift people out of idleness and poverty.
Hajiya Owonikoko explained that the economic situation of the country was getting tougher than expected and financial empowerment would go a long way to help the beneficiaries get involved in profit making businesses.
Her words: “the situation of the country is territory. With this empowerment, we believe there won’t be lots of people out there floating around helplessly. With this, they will have something to do. 10 people benefited from the Petty Traders Funds, 3 are going home with sewing machines,7 are for grinding machines and 5 wheel chairs for PWDs.” Owonikoko said.
On criteria for selection of beneficiaries, Rotarian Owonikoko revealed that the club wrote a letter to the National Commission for Disabilities to help identify those in need of wheel chairs, but could not afford it.
Past President Rotary Club International, Jonathan Babatunde Majiyagbe urged them to put the moneys and the machines to good use towards gaining their financial freedom for self-reliance.
“The whole idea is to lift each other up from poverty. This is our prayer to you, that this will help you and family for good. Don’t sell the machines. Put it to good use. This is Garki Neighborhood contribution to that effect. All we do is to make the whole world a better place.” Majiyagbe said.
A staff of the National Commission For Disabilities, Mr Zubairu Mahmud who is one of the beneficiaries of the wheel chairs, on behalf of other beneficiaries appreciated the the Garki Neighborhood Rotary Club and prayed God to bless and protect them always.
High point of the event was the rendition of several melodious songs on the need to care for the needy in the society.
