Gboko, Benue State – August 24, 2025
In what many have described as a life-changing intervention, Her Excellency Hon. Regina Akume has brought smiles, mobility, and dignity to hundreds of persons with disabilities in Benue State. At a colorful ceremony held in Gboko/Tarka on Sunday, she donated 200 tricycle wheelchairs to beneficiaries, transforming what had begun as an ordinary day into one filled with joy, tears of gratitude, and renewed hope.
The program, executed in partnership with the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, was designed to directly empower persons with disabilities, particularly those in rural areas who often face the double burden of disability and marginalization. For many, it was their first chance at real independence.
“Disability Is Not a Death Sentence” – Gufwan
At the event, the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, made a passionate call to leaders across Nigeria to emulate Hon. Regina Akume’s example.
“Disability is not a sentence of death; it is simply a challenge waiting to be overcome. Today, through this intervention, many of our brothers and sisters have overcome the challenge of immobility,” Hon. Gufwan declared.
He urged beneficiaries to use the mobility aids as tools to pursue education, start small businesses, and live more independent lives. “No one was designed to depend on others for life. This empowerment is a doorway to a future of dignity and contribution to our nation’s development,” he added.
Leadership Beyond Rhetoric
Her Excellency Hon. Regina Akume, though unavoidably absent, was ably represented by her Senior Legislative Aide, Hon. Norgba Orvave, who conveyed her unwavering commitment to the disability community.
According to him, the initiative was not just about distributing mobility aids but about restoring dignity, opportunity, and the chance for persons with disabilities to thrive. “Her Excellency is deeply committed to ensuring that no one is left behind,” he said, thanking all partners who made the project possible.
Hon. Gufwan further stressed that true leadership is proven not by speeches but by actions that uplift those at the grassroots. He called on lawmakers to prioritize disability-inclusive policies, reminding them of their responsibility under the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018.
He reaffirmed NCPWD’s mission to ensure full implementation of the Act so that the over 35 million Nigerians living with disabilities are fully integrated into national life.
A Day of Tears and Triumph
The most emotional moment of the event came when 28-year-old Mr. Ternenge Iorliam, who had been carried on his brother’s back to the venue, was given a tricycle wheelchair. Overcome with emotion, he broke down in tears as he mounted it for the first time.
“For years, I have depended on my family to move from one place to another. Today, I can move on my own. I feel like a human being again. This is the beginning of a new life for me. May God bless Mama Regina Akume, Hon. Gufwan, and Beautiful Gate for remembering people like us,” he said, his voice trembling with gratitude.
The crowd watched as Mr. Ternenge pedaled away with pride, symbolizing the profound impact of the intervention. Across the venue, other beneficiaries waved, laughed, and tested their new wheelchairs, the atmosphere filled with the joy of freedom regained.
Beautiful Gate Recognized as a Pillar of Support
Hon. Gufwan also commended the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, praising its consistency and dedication in providing mobility appliances for years. He described the organization as a dependable partner in the national movement for disability inclusion.
According to him, this partnership between government, private organizations, and compassionate leaders like Hon. Regina Akume is the blueprint Nigeria needs to build an inclusive society.
A Future of Inclusion and Dignity
In his closing remarks, Hon. Gufwan offered prayers for God’s blessings upon Her Excellency Hon. Regina Akume, the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People Center, and all stakeholders working to improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
He emphasized that the event was not just a donation drive—it was a revolution of hope, proving that with the right support, persons with disabilities can move from dependency to independence, and from exclusion to full participation in society.
“This empowerment aligns with the vision of a Nigeria where no one is left behind, where persons with disabilities can thrive, contribute, and live with dignity,” he concluded.
A Symbol of Hope
For many in Gboko/Tarka, the event was more than a program—it was a symbol of love, inclusion, and progress. The tricycles represented more than mobility; they represented freedom, empowerment, and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.
As the beneficiaries pedaled away with pride, one thing became clear: when leaders act with compassion, entire communities are transformed.
Follow the The Qualitative Magazine channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VanfIB50wajpjGi3JJ1G
