Ekiti Empowers Physically Challenged to Promote Self-Sufficiency

 

By Funke Oyerinde

Ekiti State Government has reiterated its determination to assist the
physically challenged in the State to be self-sufficient by exposing
them to training and skills development as well as financial
empowerment.

Speaking while presenting cash gifts to 15 blind persons that recently
graduated from the Nigeria Farm craft Centre for the Blind in Lagos;
the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development,
Alhaja Maryam Ogunlade explained that the financial empowerment was to
guarantee proper resettlement of the beneficiaries.

Alhaja Ogunlade highlighted the importance of training and
resettlement grants for persons living with disabilities to include
empowering them for sustainability, raising their standard of living,
significant reduction in street-begging and immerse contribution to
socio-economic development of the State.

She said that 47 blind persons had so far been rehabilitated by the
Fayemi led administration under the same training and rehabilitation
project, adding that the beneficiaries now live in relative comfort
devoid of begging.

Ogunlade assured that the Fayemi administration would continue to make
the welfare of the physically challenged a priority and would not be
deterred by the prevailing global economic downturn, dwindling
allocation from the Federation account and the attendant paucity of
funds in the State.

She advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the largess,
stressing the need to invest the money sensibly in their own interest.
In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Office of
the Disabilities Affairs, Mrs. Olabisi Fatoba said that people
interested in learning vocation no longer have to go to Lagos to do so
since the State Government has established a well-equipped Women and
Youth Acquisition Centre for Persons with Disability around Ilokun in
Ado Ekiti.

Mrs. Fatoba stressed that her office would leave no stone unturned at
ensuring the general wellbeing of people with disabilities in the
State as mandated by the State Government.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Oladapo  Sowande who
expressed gratitude to Governor Fayemi for efforts to make their live
better, pledged to judiciously utilize the money.
He also prayed for the continued success of the administration.