The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has distributed hundreds of prosthetic limbs, crutches, and wheelchairs to people with disabilities in the region.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Maiduguri on Thursday, the commission’s Managing Director, Mohammed Alkali, said the initiative was part of efforts to promote inclusivity and empowerment for people living with disabilities.
“We want to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to thrive,” he said. “These mobility aids will make a significant difference in the lives of our beneficiaries.”
The North East region has been severely impacted by insurgency and displacement, leading to a significant increase in the number of people living with disabilities.
Two beneficiaries of the commission’s aid, Bakura Modu and Aisha Laminu have expressed their gratitude for the support they received from the commission. In separate interviews with the Nigerian Tribune, Modu and Laminu, who are both disabled and rely on walking aids, shared their experiences with the NEDC’s intervention.
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According to Modu, the NEDC’s assistance has been a game-changer in his life, enabling him to move around more easily and participate in his community.
He praised the commission for its efforts in supporting persons with disabilities in the North East region.
Both Modu and Laminu called on the government to continue supporting the NEDC’s initiatives, citing the positive impact it has had on their lives and the lives of others with disabilities.
They also encouraged other disabled individuals to seek out the commission’s support, stressing that it can make a significant difference in their well-being and quality of life.
The NEDC’s intervention is a collaborative effort with the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) aims to address the socio-economic challenges faced by this vulnerable group and promote independence, dignity, and economic self-sufficiency in the region.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE