GOVERNOR EMMANUEL GETS APPLAUSE FOR ROLE IN DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY
The State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel has been appluaded for his role in the development of the people with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Ini Adiakpan gave the applause during the 31st Annual General Meeting of Nigeria National Association of the Deaf in Uyo.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner assured the deaf community in Akwa Ibom State of the government determination to continually assist the deaf in the State.
The Commissioner maintained that the State Government has empowered the Deaf, educationally and otherwise through the Ministry of women affairs and the pet project of the governor’s wife, FEYREP.
She stressed the need to upgrade facilities and provide learning and teaching aid in schools for the deaf across the country to provide quality education for them.
Dr. Adiakpan stated that there is need to put in place an all inclusive framework for development bearing in mind the limitations facing the Deaf people who equally have a lot to contribute to nation building.
While saluting the deaf in Akwa Ibom for thier resilience, the commissioner urged them not to feel discouraged, but to explore whatever opportunities at thier disposal to live better lives.
The Akwa Ibom State Chapter Chairman of the Association of the Deaf, Comrade David Alloysius appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to pass into law the Akwa Ibom Disability Bill to help address all concerns and prohibit all forms of discrimination against persons with disability.
Comrade Alloysius also made a case for the passage of Youth Development Find Bill which according to him provide a sustainable policy framework for Youth development in the State.
He stressed that, it is pertinent that those with disabilities should be employed into the civil service in addition to payments of scholarships and bursaries to students with disabilities in higher institutions.
The South South Coordinator of Association of the Deaf, Mr. Adokiye Thank God, expressed thanks to Governor Udom Emmanuel whom he described as disability friendly for making the event successful.
Mr. Thank God explained that the the event was among other things to create the needed awareness on making sign language a universal language to help bridge the communication gap between persons with disabilities and others.
He expressed the hope that at the end of the program, issues affecting the deaf would be addressed.
The President, Nigerian National Association of the Deaf, Dr. Chidi Olujie called for inclusive education, upgrading of the deaf schools and increase in the number of deaf teachers for educational advancement to enable the deaf to be equal and contribute to the development in the society.
Highlight of the event:
Dr. Adiakpan, recieves an Award from the Nigeria National Association of the Deaf.
Drama presentation by the deaf assiociation.
Also in Attendance were:
Mrs Magaret Edem, Permanent Secretary, Mr Haruna Mohammed, Vice president,NNAD, Engr Timothy Adejumo, National Secretary, Mrs Bukola Shola Fakunle, National security, Mr Anfowose Shola Abiodun PRO (CODA), Mrs Hellen Beyioku Alase, National President of Women Association Of the Deaf, Mrs Monica Udoikpong, Mr Olalekan Olalawal amongst others.
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