From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
In celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has taken a bold step in fostering inclusivity and empowerment by organising a remarkable empowerment programme to uplift the lives of persons with disabilities and ensure they are not left behind in the journey of national development.
The event in Owerri, Imo State with the theme: “Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future” was handled by notable resource persons with focus on financial management, leadership skills, importance of wellness and sports and mental health.
Speaking at the event, representatives of the NDDC urged the beneficiaries to support the government at both the state and federal levels, as their voices and contributions are invaluable in shaping policies that foster progress and inclusivity. The program served as a reminder that persons with disabilities are an integral part of our society, and their empowerment is key to achieving sustainable development. In his address, the NDDC lmo State representative, Dr. Kyrian Chidiebere Uchegbu, stated that the programme was organised as a way of reminding members of lmo State Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), that they were not in any manner forgotten, adding that such gesture was demonstrated due to the love the commission has for the special citizens.
He assured that the program will be sustained as an annual event and special citizens will be captured in every empowerment package carried out by the commission henceforth.
The newly elected lmo State Chairman of JONAPWD, C. U Ekwelem Jr, expressed joy over the gesture extended to the JONAPWD community by NDDC, stating that special citizens in the State are known for their peaceful dispositions, noting that they have continued to make progress in various skills acquisitions, hence, lmo special citizens do not associate themselves with begging for arms.
He called on government and other corporate bodies to make effort to help the group in becoming more self-reliant, as all of them can not be integrated into government system, while calling for partnership with NDDC in various engagements of the commission.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Citizens, Dr. Samuelson Emehibe, described the programme as a mark of good beginning for NDDC in 2025. He said the new year’s package from NDDC has set a pace for the rehabilitation of JONAPWD in the state.
During the event, beneficiaries were provided with essential assistive devices such as hearing aids, supporting staffs, wheelchairs, and cash gifts, aimed at enhancing their quality of life and independence. These provisions reflect the commission’s unwavering dedication to promoting equal opportunities and creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their physical challenges, can thrive.
Personalities present at the event were the former chairman of JONAPWD lmo State, Dr. Stanley Nwachukwu, Imo NDDC Director, Sir Kelechi Nwelue, Imo Assistant Director, Head of Projects, Pastor Stephen Nwosu, Resource Person, Dr. Egwim Angela Nkeiru, resource person, Dr. Mercy Duruaku, Dr. Vincent Agbasoga among others.