Anani Pledges Support for Persons with Disabilities

By Adesuwa Ehimuan

As part of efforts to empower the vulnerable community in Edo state, the Coordinator office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani, has reiterated her commitment to inclusion and empowerment initiatives for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

‎She made the call during an interactive session with delegates from the Network for the Advancement of Persons with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) in Government House in Benin City.

Mrs. Anani stated that the administration, of His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, aims to provide necessary support and encouragement to enable individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. She highlighted the establishment of the Commission for Persons with Disabilities in March, which is now operational, as a testament to this commitment.

The Coordinator assured NAPVID members of her office’s collaboration and mentioned the upcoming initiative by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to support small-scale businesses of persons living with disabilities. The program, scheduled for November, will provide grants of N200,000 to beneficiaries.

Mrs. Anani disclosed that the administration has already submitted names for sponsorship, demonstrating the Edo State Government’s dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities.

The Executive Director of NAPVID, Melody Omosah Esq, noted that the organization champions the cause of persons with disabilities, promoting accessibility and safeguarding their rights at state and national levels.

Omosah advocated for the empowerment and equal opportunities for PWDs, rejecting the notion of pity. He stated that NAPVID has collaborated with the government to support over a thousand persons with disabilities in areas such as education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, with the goal of fostering an inclusive environment for all.