By Wale Akinselure,
In an empowerment programme, the wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has handed cash and food items to 50 persons living with disabilities in Saki area of the State.
The donation under her auspices of the Omituntun for Life Foundation saw 50 members of the Strong and Able Persons with Disability Association of Nigeria (SAPDAN), Saki Chapter get a bag of rice and a sum of N50,000 each.
According to Makinde, the cash gift and food items are to empower the members of SAPDAN, so they can take care of themselves and their family members.
She further admonished the beneficiaries to ensure they the cash gift to enhance their business and family.
The governor’s wife enjoined the beneficiaries not to be discouraged or feel less of themselves as a result of their disability but to be resolute to ensure their voices are heard.
She also charged the members of the association never to allow their rights to be trampled upon but to consistently fight for social justice, inclusion and equity.
Makinde further urged the members of the association never to resign to fate but to ensure they acquired one skill or the other as a sustainable means of livelihood.
She said: “Physical disability comes in different forms. No matter the form of disability you have, do not be discouraged or feel less about yourself.
“You are an important part of the society, so do not allow anyone to trample upon your rights because of your physical condition. According to a popular saying, there is ability in disability. Hence, let your voice be heard wherever you find yourselves in the society.
“I am happy to know that most of you have learnt one skill or the other such as barbing, phone repair etc. which is a source of livelihood for you.
“So I want to admonish you to improve on the skills you have learnt and let the challenges you are facing at the moment inspire you to do better for yourselves.”
