Rita Oyiboka
In a continuous effort to promote the vision of the MORE Agenda, the Delta State government has empowered a group of Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
The empowerment program led by the state Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, and Social Development has provided support for these individuals through cash awards aimed at enhancing medical care, education, and business support.
Beneficiaries included individuals with speech, visual and hearing impairments and those requiring mobility aids, among others.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Oghenekevwe Agas, commended the beneficiaries for their resilience in pursuing livelihoods and education despite their physical challenges.
“In support of your tenacity for life and livelihood, the state Governor, Rt Hon Sherrif Oborevwori has approved this empowerment exercise.
“These grants will help you achieve your goals and improve the quality of life for you and your families. We are committed to ensuring no one is left behind,” she added.
Agas further charged the beneficiaries to put the empowerment to good use, adding that the Oborevwori administration is committed to the well-being of all Deltans.
In an interview with The Pointer, a beneficiary of the empowerment program, Mrs. Goodness Okonji, expressed her gratitude to the state government and the ministry for their support.
Mrs. Okonji who received medical support on behalf of Benjamin Nzemeke, who suffered third-degree burns and a devastating machine accident that affected both his hands noted that the grant would go a long way in covering his medical expenses and aiding his recovery process.
“We are grateful to the Ministry and the state government for their support. The grant will go a long way to fund a skin graft procedure for Benjamin’s right hand and surgery to release the contracture in his left hand, as well as the fitting of a prosthetic palm,” she said.
Meanwhile, another beneficiary, Mr. A. Nwaose thanked the state government for the empowerment towards acquiring a sewing machine and other tools necessary for his tailoring business.
