The personal assistant to the Benue State Governor on Persons with Special Needs and Inclusivity, Bem Anshe, has warned the disability community against selling items donated to aid them in their everyday lives, stating that doing so is an infringement on the State Disability Law.
The personal assistant to the Benue State Governor on Persons with Special Needs and Inclusivity Bem Anshe, warned the Disability Community against selling of items donated to aid them in their everyday life saying doing so is an infringement on the State Disability Law.
Anshe gave the warning in a keynote address titled, “Advancing Social Inclusion Through Empowerment of Those With Special Needs” during the flag off ceremony of Wheelchair Distribution Initiative by the Women Farmers Advancement Network WOFAN held in Makurdi the state capital.
According to him,”Iwant to make this clear to those of you fund of receiving and selling items donated to you free of charge afterwards, doing so betrayed the good intension of the donors and anyone caught will be liable to sanction
“For WOFAN, I want to say here that your kind gesture today can be described as a celebration of freedom by the disability community and this can only be achieved where there is good and inclusive governance”, Anshe added.
In a welcome address the team lead Iyawo Omaga said the implementation of the programme and the distribution of the over 200 wheelchairs to PWDs is done in collaboration with the Executive Director Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL), Ezekiel Jato.
Omaga commended the vision of Dr. Hajiya Salamatu Garba, the WOFAN country director, whose efforts has led to the success and expansion of the impact of ICON2 Project to reach not only to farmers but also persons with disabilities, women, and youths to ensure that no one is left behind.
She informed that for over three years, the WOFAN ICON2 Project has been implemented by PVNL across Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, consistently supporting over 65,000 farmers annually.
Omaga who was speaking on behalf of Jato said as a leading provider of agricultural solutions, PVNL has long championed the transformation of rural livelihoods especially for women and youths through sustainable farming practices and strategic partnerships.
According to her, “We have established 51 makeshift centers, provided potable water supply, and distributed essential farm tools to enhance agricultural productivity. This year, we expanded our impact through a mini project designed to support PWDs, to improve transport and logistics, and empower micro marketers ensuring broader reach and deeper inclusion.
“We have also constructed 40 marketing hubs tailored to support the businesses of PWDs, creating spaces for growth, visibility, and opportunities. Today, we take that commitment a step further. This wheelchair distribution initiative marks a significant milestone not just for PVNL, but for all of us as a community of changemakers.
“We want to recognize the resilience and potential of PWDs, and we are honoured to support their mobility, independence, and full participation in the development of their communities. This is a declaration of solidarity, a gesture of hope, and a promise of equity.
“Let me also appreciate our partners, stakeholders, and community leaders whose unwavering support has made this initiative possible. Your collaboration continues to inspire us and strengthen our resolve to build a future where every voice is heard, every hand is held, and every life is valued.”
