Ben Ezechime, Enugu
People with disabilities, PWDs, have been called upon to take their destinies in their hands by defining their purpose in life.
They were challenged to set their goals in life and not allow fears, setbacks or challenges to derail them from achieving that set goals and aspiration.
Prof. Nnamdi Nwankwo, Rector, Enugu State Polytechnics, Iwolo, made the call on Tuesday at the Enugu State Press Centre, Enugu, during the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities held every 3rd December and marked by Initiative for the Eradication of Poverty for the Disabled, IFEPED.
Nwankwo who delivered a keynote lecture titled, “Discovering and Fulfilling Our Destiny in Life,” said the Disabled should look beyond their disability and look for values, passion and pursue them.
He said anybody that does not have values in life is not a human being and lacks focus.
“We must look for our value, our passion. Anybody that does not have values in life is not a human being,” he said, adding that one must discover ones natural talent and pursue it.
“You have to discover your natural talent. What can you do very well? What is your passion in life. What is your natural ability, your innate ability? What have you been doing over the years that you are known for? he queried and challenged them not to be busybodies and gossips but be people who are always occupied pursuing a goal.
The Rector said they must have a drive in life to succeed, noting that no matter the training they are given or inheritance they have in life without being dogged, they will never succeed.
“If you don’t have a personal drive, you will not achieve anything no matter the training you are given or skills you may have acquired. You must take your destiny in your hand,” he declared.
Also speaking at the occasion, Dr. Cyril Uchenna Anioke, in his own lecture, “How Far Has Western Education Impacted In Our Lives,” urged the disable to embrace education, noting that it would lift them in life to reach boundaries.
He said that their condition does not preclude them from aspiring in life and challenged them to read voraciously especially inspirational and impactful books.
The IFEPED president, Mr. Victor Ugwu, said that they commemorate the World Disabilities Day every year and urged the members to continue to aspire in life and not become beggars that will rely on handouts for a living.
