Govt Reassures Persons With Disabilities On Commitment To Their Welfare

UYO
Gov Umo Eno has assured people living with disabilities of his administration’s commitment to their welfare, describing them as important citizens of the State.
He made the pledge, weekend, while receiving a delegation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, West Africa Area, at Government House, Uyo.
Represented by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, the governor noted that his administration has appointed individuals living with disabilities to political positions and extended other benefits to provide them with a sense of belonging, emphasising that, physical disabilities were most times accidents of fate which can happen to anyone.
Expressing gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for donating 263 wheelchairs and 181 walking assisting devices to people living with disabilities in the state, Eno described the gesture as sacrificial and exemplary.
“What you have done today is an exemplary gesture and a huge sacrifice by the Church. 
“Our administration has been intentional about the welfare of People Living With Disabilities. I thank God we have found a partner in your organization. Both the Bible and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria fully recognise their rights, and we can’t discriminate against them in Akwa Ibom. In fact, they are special citizens, and their welfare is a matter of priority for us.
“We have given political appointments and business grants to some of them while others are beneficiaries of the compassionate homes built across the state by this administration. Government cannot do it alone. This is why the people of Akwa Ibom are grateful to you for these special gifts,” the governor stated.
He also advocated for continued partnership between the government, the Church, and other organisations to empower People Living With Disabilities, particularly in the area of skills acquisition, saying, they can still live productively and earn a decent living.
The Area President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in West Africa, Elder Alfred Kyungu, remarked that the Church was simply following the example of Jesus Christ by doing good for people, especially the less privileged, expressing optimism that the wheelchairs and other walking aids would improve the lives of the beneficiaries.
‌He acknowledged the efforts of the state government in enhancing the welfare of vulnerable citizens, promising to sustain their collaboration with the government in this regard.