Managing Director Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku says the commission is intentional about programme packages for youths, women and people with disability to improve their economic well-being.
Dr. Ogbuku who made this known during maiden edition of Niger Delta Disability Praise Festival in Port Harcourt Rivers State, expressed displeasure over discrimination meted out to people with disability.
Represented by Assistant Director, Health Education and Social Services, Dr Asela Agala, the managing Director noted that people with disability were often stigmatized, adding that the trend should change to reflect their rights.
According to the MD, NDDC was open to collaborate with other well-meaning organizations to guarantee welfare of people with disability.
Similarly, Senior Special Assistance to the President on Special needs and equal opportunities, Mr. Mohammed Isa
who identified disability as a mindset, stressed the need for agencies of government to accommodate disability community in their policy formation.
Mr. Isa who maintained that Inclusivity and accessibility rights should be implemented by agencies of government, added that five percent reservation of employment opportunities was enshrined in the law for people with disability.
The Senior Special Assistant who believed that talents abound among people with disability, insisted that many in the community were gifted in music, arts and crafts creation.
On his part, Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalist NUJ, Rivers State, STANLEY JOB who advocated equal employment opportunities, encouraged the public to accommodate and support people with disability.
High point of the event that featured lots of musical performances was presentation of over two hundred items, including wheelchairs, guide cane, walking and hearing aids.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and directors.
