AKSG celebrates people with disabilities

BY NSEOBONG DAVID

It was an unforgettable day for persons with disabilities as the state government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare celebrated with them during the 2016 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

The event which had as its theme: Achieving 17 goals for the future we want” took place on 29th December 2016 at the Women Development Centre, Uyo, with over 3,000 people living with disabilities in attendance.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet in her address presented at the occasion expressed joy to the people for coming out to celebrate on the occasion and noted that the 2016 celebration became significant as it coincided with the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a convention in which Nigeria is a signatory.  She said that the day is observed globally with the aim of promoting the understanding of disability issues, mobilizing advocacy and support for the dignity, right and wellbeing of persons living with disabilities.

  She added that the day is set aside to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities into every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life as well as display how a collaborative effort within schools, workplace, other institutions, business community, groups and individuals could help breakdown the disability barriers and celebrate abilities. 

Dr. Edet used the opportunity to specially appreciate the Executive Governor of this state, Mr. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel for practically demonstrating uncommon love for persons with disabilities in his inclusive vision and administration by celebrating the day with them and also implementing several other policies and programmes which directly impacts to better the lives of persons with disabilities.

She thanked the Governor’s wife, Mrs. Martha Udom Emmanuel for her motherly love for persons with disabilities and always ensuring that they live a fruitful life devoid of all forms of discrimination.

The Social Welfare boss extended Governor Udom’s good wishes to all persons with disabilities and urged them to rise to the faith of greatness by making optimum use of the enabling environment created by government to live their dreams and contribute their quota to the building of an equitable society for everyone.

A resource person at the event, Dr. Valerie Solomon admonished the people on the need for having a goal and working towards its realization, stressing that they should not allow their physical condition to deter them from achieving their goals in life.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of all persons living with disabilities thanked the state government for making the day a memorable day for them and prayed for God’s continued blessings on the Governor, the commissioner and the entire state.

The event also featured cultural display by New Dawn entertainers and a personally composed “dakkada” song rendition by a visually impaired person, Mr. Wisdom Friday Ekanem.

Highpoint of the occasion was the donation of wheel chairs, clutches, sewing machines, clippers, generators, slate & stylos, brail machine, etc. to persons with disabilities.

The event had in attendance; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Welfare, Mrs. Cecilia Inyang, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Uduak Udoinyang, Special Assistance to the Governor on Co-operative Development, Mrs. Ekemini Umoh and several others.

… launches campaign to end violence against children 

Violence against children is increasingly gaining momentum every day.  In the society, the perpetrators are regrettably those who ordinarily should protect the interest of the child; these include parents, guardians, teachers, friends and elders in the society.  Consequently, Akwa Ibom State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare has launched the Year of Action to end violence against children.

The event which held at the Women Development Centre, IBB Avenue, Uyo on Friday 30th December 2016 was a assemblage of school children from various schools across the state as well as women groups.

In her address the honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Welfare, Dr. Glory Edet expressed delight for the significant event which she said provided another opportunity to meet with stakeholders in the fight to eradicate violence against children.

She disclosed that the action to end violence against children in Akwa Ibom State is in line with the Federal Government’s programme in collaboration with the United Nation Children’s Fund (UNICEF); and has always been part of the vision, mission and objectives enshrined in the Service Delivery Charter of the Ministry to launch an extensive campaign to end all forms of cruel treatment on children. 

The commissioner called on all individuals, organizations, traditional rulers, parents, teachers as well as church leaders to take serious actions that can end violence and exploitative actions capable of jeopardizing the growth and development of children.

She thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for being a child friendly Governor and for contributing immensely towards children’s  programmes, especially child protection programmes.  She also appreciated UNICEF, USAID, NAPTIP, National Human Rights Commission and other development partners, for their   co-operation which has enabled the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare to realize the full implementation of the Child Right Law through prosecution of offenders in family courts.

The Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo decried the situation which he described as dehumanizing and called on parents, caregivers and other relevant stakeholders to partner the state government in ensuring total eradication of all forms of violence against children.

The children exhibited various instruments which are often used to perpetuate violence against children and appealed to government not to relent in its efforts to end such violence.