State Gov. Mark 2017 PWDS Day

Akwa Ibom State Government through Ministry of Women Affairs and social welfare, emblazon 2017 persons with disabilities international day held in Ibom Hall ground with the theme, “transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all”.

 Speaking at the occasion, the State Governor Mr.Udom Emmanuel said his administrations is working forwards of ensuring the physical challenged persons are given more employment opportunities in the State.Governor Udon who was represented by his deputy Mr. Moses Ekpo, charged the PWDs to always showcase their God’s given talents and also advice them to see their conditions as a challenge and not a limitation.

He also assured them of equal opportunities in all government sectors, as He also enlighten them that excellence is not limited to the an led npbut to the disabled also.

Applauding the Commissioner  for Women affairs and Social, Dr, (Mrs.) Glory Edet for always carrying the less privileged along in her scheme of work.

 

Speaking, the Commissioner for Women affairs and Social welfare in her address thanked the State governor and his wife for practically demonstrating uncommon care and concern for disabled persons in the State.

 

Mrs.Glory noted that the international was set aside by the United Nation General Assembly in promoting and understanding of disabilities issues, mobilise concerted advocacy and support for the dignity , rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. She also added that, 2017 celebration was significant to marked the 2nd decade of implementation of the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities.

 

The Commissioner while commending the association of  the blind, deaf, dumb and leprosy on their performances called for special attentions to issues concerning promotion of full participation, accessibility and inclusion  persons with disabilities in the context of the new urban development  (habitat 3) agenda for the cities and towns.

 

Dr, Edet, used the occasion to advice beneficiaries of empowerment gestures to make good use of the enabling environment and inherent resources created by the State government to improved themselves.

 

The President of the Joint Association of persons living with disabilities, Deaconess Offiong Bassey expressed gratitude to the State Governor and his wife for the privilege and opportunities they have benefited in his administration.

Deaconess Offiong while acknowledging Akwa Ibom State as the most caring and concerned State for the less privileged, pledge support on behalf of the Association for Governor Udom Emmanuel come 2019.

 

Akpararwa Okon Tom, in his paper presentation advices parents to always sow seeds of Faith, determination and courage in the lives of their children irrespective of their disposition.

Okon further beckoned on the society to stop stiggmatizing persons with disabilities rather shows them appreciation, encouragement, empathy that could help them have some sense of belonging.

 

To add colour to the occasion was presentation by the association of the Blind, deaf, dumb and leprosy; presentation of facilities of empowerment by the Commissioner for Women affairs and Social welfare on behalf of the State government to persons living with disabilities across Akwa Ibom State in both financial and  entrepreneurial materials as part of her responsiveness to the disabled.

 

Some of the equipment presented to the PWDs ranges from digital recorder with memory card, Armpit and elbow crutches, Barbing equipments and accessories, sewing machines, tricycle, Wheel chairs, moulding shoes amongst others.