The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has provided mobility devices and other supportive aids to persons living with disabilities in Bayelsa State.
During an awareness programme held at the NDDC Bayelsa State office in Yenagoa, the Commission’s Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, encouraged beneficiaries to remain optimistic and confident in spite of their challenges.
Ogbuku, represented by the Director of the Bayelsa State Office, Engr. Godknows Alamiesiegha, stressed the importance of motivating those living with various conditions.
He said: “Life is a privilege, and you should be proud of yourself. NDDC is committed to inclusivity and the social welfare of all persons in the Niger Delta region. This is not the first time we have supported persons with disabilities, and it certainly will not be the last.
“We care for you deeply, and we encourage you to persevere because where there is a will, there is a way.”
The NDDC head pledged that the Commission would continue to make the welfare of persons with disabilities a priority in its programmes.
Technical Adviser on NDDC to the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Nyenye Kuro Matthias, praised the initiative, noting that it marked the first time such a large gathering of persons with disabilities had benefited from a coordinated programme of this nature.
“We deeply appreciate this gesture from NDDC. We assure you that the supportive aids will be used well. We call on the NDDC to include persons with disabilities in its youth and women’s training programmes and employment opportunities,” Matthias added.
Lead facilitator Dr Daniel Smile George, delivering a mental health awareness talk, underlined the need to acknowledge mental health as a form of disability, citing international data that shows widespread mental health challenges.
“Raising awareness about mental health will encourage individuals to seek help early, thereby reducing mental health disorders in society,” he explained.
Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Bayelsa State, Mr Ekpomokumor Mayor, expressed gratitude to the NDDC for its ongoing assistance.
“We thank the NDDC for its continued support to our members. We are grateful to the medical personnel and support staff for all their contributions to ensure the execution of this programme,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr Dennis Stephen, who received a wheelchair, shared his relief: “Before today, moving around was a challenge. NDDC has given me a new opportunity to regain my mobility, and for that, I am grateful.”
The distributed items included wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames, aids for the visually impaired, hearing aids and other supportive devices.
