Sir David Osunde Foundation have concluded arrangement to host over five hundred (500) persons with disabilities in Abuja to mark her annual Easter Monday Celebration.
In a press conference organized by the foundation to brief the media about the activities of 2022 edition of the celebration coming up on Monday 18th April, 2022, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the event, Barrister Ikem Uchegbulam told the press that the Easter Monday Celebration has been running for over 20 years and it is usually bringing together hundreds of persons with disabilities in different parts of the country.
“This time, we are constrained to hold it only in Abuja, it used to be a three-day programme starting from Saturday and end on Easter Monday but now, we are having it only on Monday with thanksgiving mass and reception where there would be empowerment of persons with disabilities and other activities such as talent display, musical entertainment etc” he added.
He informed the press that the event will be taking place at Holy Family Society, National Pilgrimage Centre, Gosa, Sabon-Lugbe along Express Road, Abuja, with a mass to be celebrated by His Grace Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigma, Archbishop of Abuja, Her Excellency Dame Pauline Tallen, Honourable Minister of Women Affairs (the Special Guest of Honour) and the Chairman of the event is Amb. Dr. Aartin Uhomoibhi (former Perm Sec. Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Most Rev Dr. Anslem Umoren, the Auxiliary bishop of Abuja (the Co. host).
“We are expecting over 500 Persons with disabilities from different faiths, the beneficiaries are not only catholic, or Christians, it is for all irrespective of the religion”
He also informed press that the event includes a special section to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari for signing of disability act because Sir David Osunde prayed for over 20 years for this law and now that law is her, it is pertinent that the foundation celebrates the law.
He urges the public to come and participate, you can come with your own gift.
He also encouraged PWDs to come and tap blessing from the Arch bishop as well as material blessing.
Sir David Osunde, the founder of the association ably represented by Mr. Martin N. Umeatuegbu at the press conference(Operations Manager, Sir David Osunde foundation) said that it is now 30 years, the foundation was incorporated and since then, God has been using the foundation to attend to the felt needs of persons with disabilities.
He said that Sir David Osunde Foundation has executed several projects and programmes for the benefits of persons with disabilities.
He attributed the successes to God almighty and with God, there are millions of reasons why he will continue.
“Without God, I could not have had the courage, the inspiration, the talent and the wherewithal to execute the various programmes of Sir David Osunde Foundation in the last 30 years! It is undoubtedly with His blessings and great support as our Great Provider that our Foundation has been able to care for a good number of those in greatest need, especially those with disabilities in our community all this while” he added.
“The main reasons for establishing Sir David Osunde Foundation include but not limited to the the following:
To create national awareness for our individual and collective responsibilities in taking special care of persons with disabilities.
To impress upon persons with disabilities themselves that there is a continuous need for everyone, not minding the state of one’s health or the nature of disabilities.
To ensure that persons with disabilities encourage themselves to go to school because it is through education that they will be able to know and defend their rights, privileges and prerogatives.
To ensure also that persons with disabilities are specially celebrated and integrated as members of the society.
He described this years’ event as double celebration, empowerment with activities such as scholarships, educational grants, assistive devices, mobility aids, entrepreneurship, medical outreach and support, skill development etc.
TQM report that for the past 29 years of the foundation’s existence, over 20,000 persons with disabilities have benefited from the easter celebration, and majority of whom now live independently, and contributing their quota to national development.
He recognized the immense contribution of the collaborative partnership and efforts of the Church, certain individuals of goodwill.
To this note, the Foundation, given her foresight of having more impacts on persons with disabilities, is open to welcoming agencies and individuals of goodwill who wish to support.
Comrade Muazu Musa, the secretary of the local organizing Committee in his speech urged Nigerians to be part of this mind-blowing event by supporting the foundation.
He added that the event will provide opportunity for Persons With Disabilities to pray for Nigeria and he is hopeful God will answer the prayer and restore peace.
