By Uduak Akai
UYO
In its continued effort to bring Christlike love to communities, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated 50 personalised wheelchairs and other walking aids to Akwa Ibom government for distribution to persons with disabilities.
The donation, which was part of the Church’s ongoing wheelchair project, was officially handed over to the state government through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs at the Women Development Center, IBB Way, Uyo, recently.
The event was presided over by the president of Africa West Area of the Church, Elder Alfred Kyungu, and attended by state officials, Church leaders, and humanitarian partners.
Representing Governor Umo Eno, the commissioner for humanitarian affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, expressed the government’s gratitude for the Church’s compassionate intervention.
In his remarks, Elder Kyungu emphasised that the donation represents not just the conclusion of a project, but the continuation of the Saviour’s ministry of service, saying, “Today we celebrate not just the conclusion of the wheelchair project but a continuation of humanitarian service. The Church has so far donated 263 wheelchairs and 181 walking aids making it 444 items helping individuals in Akwa Ibom”.
Kyungu further explained that the humanitarian efforts of the Church are inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who spent His ministry lifting the poor and needy.
“True disciples of Jesus Christ are those who rise and speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. May we be such disciples of Jesus Christ,” Kyungu counseled, noting that the wheelchairs are customised to individual users, ensuring restored dignity, opportunity, and improved quality of life.
These humanitarian projects, he added, are made possible through the voluntary donations of Latter-day Saints worldwide, including members in Uyo.
Speaking on behalf of the state governor, the humanitarian affairs commissioner, Princess Emem Ibanga, praised the Church’s efforts, saying the intervention has transformed lives in visible ways.
“Today, women and men who once crawled will now go out and return home clean, courtesy of the Church’s humanitarian service,” she said and highlighted the Church’s impact in Akwa Ibom through schools, healthcare, food donations, and other programmes that support vulnerable groups.
“Together, we can build a state and society that everybody will be proud of,” she declared.
Other dignitaries in attendance also commended the Church, among them Dr Ini Adiakpan, delivery advisor to the governor on women development, noted that the wheelchair project had broken barriers of access, movement, and visibility for the physically challenged.
Also speaking, chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Akwa Ibom State Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, praised the Church’s compassion and consistent humanitarian supports for Akwa Ibom people.
Personal assistant to the governor on Persons with Disabilities, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, described the church’s intervention as life-changing.
According to him, “the Church has redefined humanity by giving mobility to those who needed it most. You have given them legs, access, and visibility.”
In their separate goodwill messages, the chairmen of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo branch, Mr Ime Umofiah, a lawyer and his counterpart in the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State, Dr Aniekan Peter, commended the church for the good works for humanity they have done in the State.
They said the church has exemplified the teachings of Jesus Christ in it true nature for providing for the poor and vulnerable people in the society. They called for strong partnerships with their organizations for the good of humanity.
This latest humanitarian project reflects the global mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to follow the Saviour by lifting burdens and restoring hope.
Through its humanitarian programmes, the church partners governments and organizations around the world to provide clean water, education, health services, food security, and emergency relief.
Each act of service reflects the Saviour’s teaching that “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).
The Akwa Ibom wheelchair project stands as a testimony of discipleship, love, and belief that when communities unite in service, lives are changed and dignity is restored.
Other church leaders who joined the Area President included the Uyo Nigeria Stake President, Adiel Ntuk, his counterpart in Ibiono Nigeria Stake, Inyon, Orok Orok of Uyo Central Stake, that of Ibesikpo Nigeria, Christian, and Bishop Sebastian Essien of Oron Road Ward.
Discussion about this post