Over 80 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Akwa Ibom State have received assistance from a Non-Governmental Organisation, DuDu Foundation and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
The beneficiaries with various forms of physical challenge, mostly from the Akwa Ibom Northeast and Northwest Senatorial Districts, were given starter packs, cash, educational support grants and other forms of assistance at the event held at the Ati Annang Foundation (AAF) Hall, Ikot Ekpene local government area of the state.
Items given included wheelchairs, crutches, Point-of-Sale (POS) machines, Android phones, chemicals, cash and equipment for soap and detergent production.
In addition, selected pupils and students in primary and secondary schools were given back-to-school kits and financial support.
Speaking at the ceremony, the proprietor of DuDu Foundation, Ms. Edu Offong, described the initiative as a milestone in the quest for equity, inclusion and social justice in the Niger Delta.
“This programme is not about charity, it is about restoring dignity, creating opportunities and affirming the rightful place of persons with disabilities in our society.
“True development is not only measured by roads and industries but also by how much we uplift the most vulnerable among us,” she said.
Ms. Offong commended the NDDC for partnering on the initiative, stressing that collaboration between civil society and government institutions remained critical in achieving inclusive development.
She also acknowledged the support of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, describing his leadership as an inspiration.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on PLWDs, Mrs. Nnene Bassey, applauded the initiative and urged other NGOs and well-placed individuals to emulate its commitment to social inclusion.
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Mr. Moffat Ekoriko, noted that empowerment was not only about giving, but also about enabling PLWDs to contribute meaningfully to society, and encouraged privileged individuals to extend support to vulnerable people, stressing that such acts of kindness make the world more balanced and humane.
