Akaiso Eyo-Akaiso, Uyo.
Persons with disabilities drawn from thirty one local governments of Akwa Ibom State have been presented with cash of various amounts, walking aids, bags of rice and wrappers of different colors.
The presentation was done in a special event titled Lean On Me on Tuesday, organized by the pet project of the wife of Governor Umo Eno, late Pastor Patience Umo Eno called Golden Initiative For All, GIFA.
At the event held at the multiple purpose hall of Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the coordinator of the project, Lady Helen Obareki who spoke in between sobs in remembrance of her late mother who founded the project two years ago, assured that GIFA will continue to wag stronger, adding ‘no vulnerable and persons with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State will be left behind.’
Describing GIFA as a canopy of hope for PWDs In Akwa Ibom state, she promised that GIFA under her watch will continue with what her mother was noted for, by constructing more companionate homes for the less privileged in the state. Mrs Obareki who is the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the project, announced plan to empower ten business owners with disabilities, amidst other gestures, may be to mark the second anniversary of the pet project in February.
She therefore called for more support from well to do and spirited individuals, so that more PWDs will be touched.
Speaking separately, Commissioners in the ministries of Women Affairs and Social Welfare and Humanitarian affairs, Inibehe Silas and Emem Ibanga, said as a ministry that housed PWDs before she can’t afford not to identify with them on occasion like this.
While her counterpart Emem Ibanga who had earlier spoken, assured that PWDs don’t need to know anybody in her ministry to be empowered. Both of them made a handsome donation of half a million Naira each in support of the program.
Earlier, the aid to Governor Eno on disabilities, Ubong Ikpe appealed to Pastor Umo Eno PhD to kindly assent to the disabilities bill since passed by the State Assembly, but still pending on his desk for sometime to become an act, so that more PWDs will continue to benefit from his good governance.
Ahead of 2027, he threw their weight behind the Governor, assuring him a bloc vote when time comes.
