In an effort to discourage street begging in Imo State, the First Lady, Barr. Chioma Uzodimma, through the Ministry for Women Affairs and Vulnerable Persons, has offered skills acquisition, amongst other benefits like wheelchairs, clutches, etc to persons with disabilities and beggars in the State.
Head of the Ministry, Lady Nkechinyere Ugwu visited various locations of these people to give out food and other palliatives.
According to Madam Ugwu, two people previously empowered are now off the streets, while others, especially those who previously made requests for mobility aids, received wheelchairs and clutches.
To ensure more Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable persons are taken off the streets, the women affairs minister offered counselling and other remedies that could potentially get them off the streets.
According to Ugwu, “We spoke to many of them and offered skills training in lieu of roaming the streets. Those who showed interest were recorded and will be accommodated in the next skills acquisition training organized by the Ministry.”
“We counselled and talked with them about their situations while offering possible remedies to get them off the streets. We also noted their needs and requests along with their criticism and views on ways to improve Government Services in Imo State.
“All comments, needs and requests, will be relayed to her Excellency for necessary actions.
Beneficiaries of the First Lady’s generousity were overjoyed. They expressed gratitude and overflowed with goodwill for Her Excellency for the promises kept. Those whose needs were not met got promised that their demands would be communicated to the Governor’s wife – and, hopefully, met too.