Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Federal Government in conjuction with the Enugu State Government, as part of activities to celebrate World Disabilities Day, on Wednesday flaged off the inclusion tour for the Beyond Disability Project for persons with disabilities in the state.
The event, which was held at the gymnasium hall at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, also witnessed the inauguration of local government and ward coordinators of the project, supported by the office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities.
In his keynote speech, the SSA to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, Hon. Mohammed Abba Isa, said that the project aims to create inclusivity where PWDs can reach their full potentials.
Abba lauded the Enugu State Government for demonstrating commitment to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all by being among the first states to comply with the mandate.
“As the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, I am committed to championing this cause.
“Mr President has demonstrated his dedication to promoting disability rights by being the first African president to sign the UN Charter on Inclusivity.”
“Today marks a significant milestone in our journey towards a more inclusive society.
“The Beyond Disability Project aims to create a society where PWDs can thrive and reach their full potential. As we embark on this Nationwide Inclusion Tour, we reaffirm our dedication to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all,” he said.
In his remark, the Director General of Beyond Disability Project, Amb. Rodstick Ezeh, stressed that the project was to promote the rights and interests of those with disabilities and harness their potential for social development and self-sustainability through talent development.
“This is not the time for sympathy but empathy for persons with disabilities through empowerment and viable skills. Disability is a mindset. The disability act signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari provides equality opportunities for those with disabilities.”
“The Enugu State Government should do more by making frantic efforts to provide adequate social and economic opportunities for those with disabilities in the state.”
Engr. Onyinye Akubuilo-Okpalanma, Special Assistant to the Enugu State Governor on SDGs, assured participants of the government’s commitment to championing the cause of PWDs in line with the United Nation’s SDG goal 10.
Earlier, the State Project Coordinator, Chizoba Ede, while thanking the government and partners of the project, implored well-meaning individuals to support the project to achieve its objective of grassroots inclusivity.
Ede noted that the exercise would include skill acquisition, talent development, and mentorship programmes among other empowerment initiatives.
