NGO Doles Out N20m Relief Fund For Akwa Ibom PLWDs

A non-governmental organisation (NGO) committed to poverty alleviation and welfare of the less-privileged, Bertola Foundation (BF), has come to the aid of dozens of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Akwa Ibom State with cash donations of N20 million.

Besides, the foundation assured plans have been concluded to open a vocational training centre for the beneficiaries to embrace various trades and skills for self-development and independence at Nkwot Community in Ikono local government area.

Addressing journalists in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, the proprietor and founder of the organisation, Evang. Albert Inyang, the chairman of Nkwot Leadership Council (NLC), a socio-cultural group, said the gesture was a yearly routine that has gulped millions of naira over the last ten years.

He explained that the philanthropic gesture usually culminates in a Mega Christian Crusade (MCC) every December to mark the end of the year and transition into the new year “to make the experience a lasting one.”

According to the cleric, the names of the beneficiaries of the financial empowerment and their account details were compiled and paid through the banks, while some who did not have valid bank accounts were paid personally in cash.

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He explained that the financial assistance was given based on the needs assessment of the beneficiaries between N100,000, N70,000 and N50,000, respectively.

On whether it could be possible for him to diversify into a venture that could recycle the funds for the beneficiaries to be self-reliant, Inyang said it was possible on the grounds of his foundation partnering with government and other public-spirited individuals to build a PLWDs community with skill acquisition centre similar to the DAKKADA Skills Acquisition Centre of government in Uyo.

Evang. Inyang, a professional engineer, revealed a proposal to build a firm where the less privileged would render services and be paid monthly.

He said: “Certainly, we can discover abilities in disabilities; we can create an environment for persons with disabilities to stay in one place and work in a company after getting the required training from the skill development centre, which I would like to build at Nkwot Community in Ikono LGA.

“These our brothers and sisters living with disabilities are all human beings like us. We have to give them special attention. It is not because of their sins and iniquities that it happened to them that way, but God understands why. So, we have to be our brothers’ keepers. If we give them an enabling environment to work an earn a living, they will focus and work because, with their situation, some will concentrate and focus well.

“I know that Akwa Ibom State Government, ably led by a compassionate governor, Pastor Umo Eno, would like to key into such ventures to help the less privileged. I have travelled wide and seen such companies in sane climes. I believe it will work in.

“Akwa Ibom State through a collaborative effort because it is highly capital intensive. I am always heartbroken when I see the less privileged in society begging on the streets to feed themselves. That is why I am calling on a collaborative effort to impact these people through a more rewarding venture.”