The Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), through its social welfare department, in collaboration with a non-governmental organisation(NGO),? Public Health and Community Development Centre (PHCDC), has donated wheel chairs, crutches and clothing materials to over 100 physically challenged persons in the FCT.
This is part of activities to mark the 2012 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.?
Speaking at the event held at the Cyprain Ekwensi Centre for Arts and Culture, Minister of State for the FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, observed that persons with disabilities have a significant positive impact on the society and their contribution could be even greater if barriers to their participation were removed.
“Irrespective of their challenges, the group of women and men with disability who are working selflessly in the FCTA, have demonstrated their commitment to effective service delivery like their counterparts,” she said.
Akinjide who was represented by her Special Assistant on social development, Mrs. Uche Nwafor, expressed determination of the administration to ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy their rights and realise their great potentials.
On her part, the Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, Mrs. Blessing Onuh, advised the physical challenged persons to see abilities in their disabilities.
Onuh noted that many of the successful people on earth were special people who had unleashed great potentials that have contributed immensely to the development of their societies.
One of the beneficiaries, Idris Rilwan, prayed God to reward the initiators of the programme and urged them to continue their good work for the physically challenged.
During the event, 17 motorised wheel-chairs were presented to some of the physically challenged persons, including men and women.