Special Assistant to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Disability Matters, Ben Anshe, has lamented the neglect of the over 200,000 persons with disabilities in Benue State, according to the 2006 Nigeria Population Census, and appealed for their inclusion in policy implementation.
Anshe, who lamented during the presentation of non-food materials to persons with special needs to aid them, especially in their movement, said that out of the many advocacy visits his office has made to solicit support for persons with special needs, the Foundation for Justice Peace and Development (FJPD) is the first to honour them. He described the gesture as the first of its kind in Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
According to Anshe, “We have over 200,000 persons with disabilities in Benue State going by the 2006 Nigeria Population Census, and as the person coordinating their activities in the state, I am saddled with the responsibility of ensuring their welfare by advocating for inclusiveness in all spheres of life.”
While commending the Canadian Church, Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, his Lordship Rev Wilfred Anagbe, for his show of love, care, kindness, and benevolence to persons with special needs in the state, Anshe warned beneficiaries against selling any of the items collected but to see them as sacramental and put them to judicious use no matter the hardship.
In a welcome address, the coordinator of the Foundation for Justice Peace and Development (FJPD) Catholic Diocese of Makurdi, Rev. Fr. Remigius Ihyula, appealed to architects and town planners to always factor in the needs of persons with disabilities in their planning and designs for easy accessibility, especially in public places.
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