A non-governmental organisation under the aegis of the DUDU Foundation, in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission, has empowered thousands of persons with disabilities with mobility aids and business grants in Akwa Ibom State.
The beneficiaries drawn from the three senatorial districts of the State were empowered with items such as wheelchairs, POS machines, crutches, soap/detergent, back-to-school kits for children, among others, estimated at several millions of naira.
Speaking during the event, which took place at the Ati Ananng Foundation Hall, Ikot Ekpene on Wednesday, the Founder of the organisation, Edu Offong, while welcoming the beneficiaries assured them of her continuous support.
She explained that the programme was designed to provide skills, tools and support to enable them live a productive and independent life.
“This empowerment programme is designed to provide skills, tools, and support systems that will enable beneficiaries to live productive and independent lives. It is not a charity, it is about restoring dignity, creating opportunities, and affirming their rightful place in our society,” Offong said.
She commended the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the management of NDDC for partnering with foundation to better the lots of PWDs in the state
In his remarks, the publisher of News Africa, London, Mr Moffat Ekoriko, who spoke on the topic: ‘’Social imperative of empowering People with disabilities,” highlighted the essence of empowerment, noting that people are empowered when people help others to make meaningful contributions to the society.
According to him,“Empowermentt is when you help a person to make meaningful contributions to society. This is why I am happy with what I am seeing today.”
The Special Assistant to Akwa Ibom State Governor on PWDs, Mrs Nnene Bassey expressed her happiness while commending the Foundation for the support
“I am happy with what am seeing here today, these mobility aids that are being displayed here will go a long way in helping the beneficiaries.”
She also appreciated NDDC for partnering with the foundation in putting smiles on the faces of the beneficiaries, thereby enhancing the ARISE agenda of the governor.
One of the beneficiaries, Helen Cletus, who spoke with journalists, expressed gratitude to the foundation for coming to her aid with the provision of a wheelchair.
“I feel so excited for what God has used this foundation to do for me, they have put smiles on our faces, and I pray God to continue to bless them.”
She appealed to other NGOs to emulate the foundation.
