The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel through the Honorable Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan celebrates abilities in disabilities with the spirit of leaving no one behind at Women Development centre, IBB Way, Uyo.
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) from across 31 Local Government Areas in the State turned up in their number.
The Commissioner, Dr. Ini Adiakpan said, the day was set aside by United Nations general assembly geared towards the promotion and understanding of disabilities matters through advocacy, sensitization and empowerment of PWDs thus mobilize support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of PWDs to contribute meaningfully towards the progress and development of the society.
The theme for 2022 is “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development; the Role of Innovation in Fueling Accessible and Equitable World”. This theme stressed the role of innovation in fueling an accessible, affordable, available, acceptable, adaptable and equitable world thus ensuring political, social, economic, and cultural inclusivity at the State, National and International levels.
Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Ini Adiakpan
Dr. Adiakpan stated that Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program, or product system that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of persons with disabilities such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, prosthetic devices, Braille, canes, spectacles, text-to-speech software, among others.
She used the opportunity to specially applauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel and his dear wife, Dr. Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel for uncommon demonstration of love to PWDs. She said Government’s gestures are clearly seen in the consistent provision of mobility devices, rehabilitation, financial empowerment, educational materials and scholarship for students with disabilities.
Dr. Adiakpan further stated that PWDs are able in different capacities and that is what makes them strong, unique and special thus not to be seen as a curse from nature rather to complete the creation. The only disabled person is the one in the grave since the present PWDs are alive they should rise to the faith of greatness.
On that note, she urged them to support the Governor’s completion agenda and his succession plan, as inclusion and gender equality is clearly and basically seen.
Dr. Adiakpan charged PWDs to make optimal use of the enabling environment and inherent resources created by Government to improve themselves and the society at large. She said there is need to take advantage of technological advancements in promoting the dignity, rights and social inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Anietie Jackson appreciated governor Emmanuel for being passionate about PWDs and for providing adequate resources to cater for their needs.
In reference to the theme, Mr. Jackson appreciated the Honourable Commissioner, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, who has always encouraged them to be internet active to access the globe for the greater good of PWDs through innovation. He used the opportunity to charge persons with disabilities to explore the internet space and show the world their creativity.
All the five cluster heads; Ubong Ben (blind), Mrs Nnene Bassey, Albinism, David Polycarp (Deaf), Timothy Itam for the Leprosy and Aniefiok Etuk for the physically challenged applauded the governor and his admirable wife for celebrating them with better surprise packages.
Items donated to PWDs at the event include Android smart phones, sewing machines, hair dressing equipments, Generators, complete musical instruments, wheel chairs, elbow/armpit clutches, computers, prosthesis, hats and sunscreen for Persons with Albinism, financial empowerment amongst others.
The beneficiaries were elated for the gesture and appreciated the State Government for their interest in PWDs’ wellbeing.