The Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Usani Uguru Usani has said that his Ministry would incorporate training and empowerment programmes for the physically challenged persons in the Niger Delta region into its activities, to enhance their self-reliance and development.
The minister who made the disclosure while playing host to Great-Minds Foundation and the Niger Delta Physically Challenged Forum, both groups of people from Niger Delta region who are physically challenged, on Thursday, in Abuja, advised the two groups to form a united front to press home their demands from the Federal Government, saying that they must be well organised to successfully articulate their demands from those in position of authority.
A statement from the ministry signed by the Head, Media and Public Relations in the Ministry, Mr. Stephen Kilebi made available to our correspondent said Dr. Usani, who was represented by the Director, Community Development and Education in the Ministry, Mrs. Lauren Braide said the administration has however made it a point of duty to ensure the wellbeing and economic self-reliance of the disabled people in the region.
Earlier, the President, Great-Minds Foundation of People with Deformities in Niger Delta, Mr. Emotoghen Azikiwei said his group would be submitting a proposal for the Ministry to support his group with walking aids which was estimated at fifty-four million Naira and also to help them in celebrating the “World Disability Day,” on the 3rd December, every year.
In his address, the President, Niger Delta Physically Challenged Forum, Mr. Enai Shedrack called for an affirmative action for welfare of the physically challenged in the Niger Delta region. He alleged that he ministry had captured a lot of able-bodied men and women in its empowerment programmes, but neglected the physically challenged.
The Minister promised to address all the issues raised by the groups, saying, “The plight of every Niger Delta person is very important to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.”
