Ebonyi Govt. to create economic pathway for Persons with Disabilities
By Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi
The Ebonyi State Government have revealed plans to create an economic pathway for Persons living with Disabilities in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in the state Princess Chinwe Okah said the project was in a bid to better the lots of the people as her office is in talks with the management of the Bank of Industry to get funding for the establishment of Agro-Processing plants, and Animal husbandry in Ebonyi.
The commissioner in a press briefing with journalists in her office in Abakaliki to commemorate the 2021 International Day Of Persons With Disabilities celebrated every 3rd of December, said this day was to acknowledge the existence and essence of Persons with Disabilities.
She said in cognizance with the 2021 theme of this year’s commemoration ‘Leadership and Participation of Persons with Disabilities Toward An Inclusive, Accessible And Sustainable Post COVID-19’ her office would continue to she maintained that her office will continue working for the well-being of the destitute.
Hon. Okah appealed to Ebonyians to support the government in changing the economic story of people living with Disabilities.
According to her, there is data collection of the vulnerable persons at Ogoja road for rehabilitation.
She commended the governor and his wife for their continued support to the indigent persons through approvals and release of funds that are crucial to their existence especially this commemoration.
“As you know, my office is saddled with the core mandate of ensuring the advancement and well-being of Ebonyi women and girls; and addressing the social inequalities that limit the attainment of their life goals.
” It is profitable to note that outside the aforesaid duties, we engage international and local partners and civil society organizations in the realization of our mandate.
“The plights of Persons with Disabilities in the state form the fulcrum of our work too. And today, I am glad that our achievements and limitations in seeking their psycho-social and economic development will be for you to tell the world and how spirited individuals and organizations should assist the government in this regard.
“Every 3rd of December, the International community commemorates the existence and essence of Persons with Disabilities following the 1992 proclamation by United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3. Being disabled is not a negation but a condition that creates inner energy for these people to live and be economically viable to society and their families. But we as people and government must create a conducive clime for them to realize such given the certitude of their physical and mental dispositions.
“As a ministry, we have engaged them to acquire basic education through free tuition for those that wish to further their post-secondary studies and ensure that they are availed of all social services. It is remarkable to note that at the advent of the administration of the governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi in 2015, his special regards to them orchestrated the establishment of an office on Religious and Welfare Matters for broader synergy with us for enhanced socio-economic inclusion of these special people.
“Notably, remarkable achievements were recorded by these offices. Regular monthly subventions are given to these our brothers and sisters to cushion the realities of this existential world; psycho-social support is given to those in need and the government has been relentless in aggressive sensitization campaigns aimed at eliminating stigmatization attached to being disabled. Adequate medical attention has been the bedrock of my office and that of Religious and Welfare Matters when it comes to these special people.
“I won’t conclude this interaction with you people without mentioning my resolve to broaden the scope of our State Rehabilitation Centre at Ugwuachara.
“The center has the mandate of deployment of life basic skills to Persons with Disabilities across the state in Bakery, Computer education, Tailoring, Woodwork (carpentry), Bead making, shoemaking, and Hair Dressing. Since its inception, we have graduated over 58 students and empowered them with materials and cash for them to be employers of labor.
“I have interfaced with the management of the Bank of Industry and with another line MDAs in the state to seek a ground for the establishment of Agro-Processing plants and Animal husbandry that will further create an economic pathway for Persons with Disabilities in the state.
“It is on record that we are synergizing with the Federal government for full domestication of the National Disability Commission that will address holistically their plights.
“This administration was quick in creating a buffer for these disabled persons and has assisted them in the establishment of SMEs and approval for job placements in both the Local and State Civil Service Commissions respectively.
I am convinced that this day will create the awareness for collective action in addressing the plight of Persons with Disabilities and complement government efforts.
