The Federal Government through the Minister of Women Affairs, Paullen Tallen, has pledged support for the welfare of Persons Living With Disabilities in the country.
Tallen also called on well-meaning Nigerians to take into consideration the plight of the PLWDs.
Speaking during the presentation of 1,500 wheelchairs and aid materials to some PWDs in Abuja by the Sir David Osunde Foundation on Tuesday, the minister noted that the government would continue to support initiatives that focus on hummanitarian activities tailored towards the non-privileged individuals in society.
She said, “The government will continue to support initiatives aimed at alleviating the plights of the physically challenged persons in Nigeria. There is a need for well-meaning Nigerians to also join hands together to help the plight of persons living with disabilities. The foundation has been donating aid materials for the past 30 years. We all should ensure that we share out of what God has given us with the disadvantaged.”
Also speaking at the event, the Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Ignatius Kaigama, noted that the foundation had been consistent in its support for Persons with Disabilities irrespective of tribe or religion.
He admonished Nigerians to channel their energies into building a society where the PWDs would feel at home and loved instead of fighting over religion, tribe or politics.
Kaigama who celebrated mass at the event, said instead of thanking God, a lot of able-bodied people engage in crimes like kidnapping and killings of even Internally Displaced Persons.
“This is a duty that needs to be done; we sometimes waste so much time on things that do not matter; this foundation is calling our attention today.
“We are so concerned about very big projects that are of national and international value, but when it comes to the people who matter, people who just need basic things to survive, we are lacking.
“We are invited to a work of love and charity; helping the sick, works of mercy; I am calling on everyone to get engaged,” he said.
The founder of the foundation, Sir David Osunde, who was represented by Dr Anthony Osunde, said the gesture was part of their goals to take persons with disabilities off the street and empower them.
