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Ogun State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development has empowered about 150 People living With Disabilities (PWD), as part of activities marking the annual International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities.
The empowerment was part of the 2024 International Day of persons with disabilities with the theme, “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”, at the Lammy Fatty Recreation Centre, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, said the essence of the empowerment was to reaffirm the commitment of the present administration of inclusion and equity for persons with disabilities and ensure significant impact in their lives.
“As we commemorate this year’s Disability Day, I want to assure you that, Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration remain steadfast in its commitment to prioritising the needs of all persons with special needs”, she said.
Earlier in her address, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Adejumoke Adewole, urged PWD to invest in themselves, acquire needed skills for self-development, get new ideas and embrace technology as part of requirements to thrive in today’s world.
She therefore reiterated the Ministry’s continued commitment to take every necessary step to support their growth and success.
Speaking on the theme, the former Chairman Nigeran Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Kunle Ashimi, advised PWD not to belittle themselves or be intimidated by their status but see themselves as people that could hold higher positions, noting that leadership is not by physical appearance but by brain, wisdom and intelligence.In their separate goodwill messages, the state Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD), Dr. Micheal Ebohor and Olori Aminat Matemilola, appreciated the state government for prioritising the welfare and wellbeing of PWD by celebrating them, giving them job opportunities, among other things, so that they could be able to provide for their families and be self-independent.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Grace Omowunmi appreciated the state government and the Ministry for deeming it fit, to celebrate and empower PWD not minding their status but helping them to put food on the table for their families and be self-reliant.
Some of the empowerment tools distributed at the event were, Deep Freezers, Grinding Machines, Generating Set, Clippers, Brail Machines, Walking Sticks Wheel Chairs among other things.
