IDPD: Enugu South Council Area, Group Provide Aid To Over 1000 PWDs

The Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State and Physiotherapy Department, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku Ozalla, have empowered over 1,000 physically-challenged with assistive devices to mark 2024 International Day of Persons with Disability (PWDs).

The devices include wheelchairs, canes, hearing aids, cerebral palsy chairs, braille embossers, free medical treatments and tests.

The outreach featured a range of services, including checkups, treatments for various illnesses. Participants also received free medications and wheelchairs.

This year’s theme is – ‘Amplifying the leadership of disabled people for an inclusive and sustainable future.”

Speaking during the occasion held at Enugu South Council headquarters, Uwani, the chairman, Hon. Caleb Onyema Ani, explained that the goal was not only to treat illnesses but also to make them self-reliant.

He said the initiative aligned with Governor Peter Mbah’s blueprint to revolutionize the health sector for enhanced service delivery, especially at the grassroots.

Enugu South Council Boss, Hon. Caleb Ani in a group photograph with some of the beneficiaries.

Hon. Ani called for action against discrimination of persons with disabilities (PWDs), reiterating his administration’s commitment to developing policies and interventions to give the vulnerable people a sense of belonging while enhancing access to quality healthcare.

The Enugu State Commissioner For Health, Professor Emmanuel Obi, represented by the Director Medical Services, Dr. Samuel Egwuonwu, lamented the devastating impact of quackery in the health sector, this, he said, had claimed lives of millions, and commended the council chairman for prioritizing health of the residents.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, praised Hon. Caleb Ani for embodying the vision of Governor Peter Mbah by providing support to people with disabilities, adding that the gesture was a manifestation of his promise to the people of Enugu South for inclusive governance, and commitment to creating more equitable society.

A cross section of beneficiaries during medical checks

In her address, the Head, Physiotherapy Department, UNTH, Mrs. Chinwe Obiekwe, and representative of the collaborating partner, said the empowerment was a testament of the state’s government commitment to inclusive governance.

She encouraged individuals with disabilities to see the exercise as empowerment not a charity, saying: “Your disability is not a limitation! You have the power to become whatever you aspire to be. Believe in yourself, and never let your disability define your potential.”Obiekwe remarked.

Some of the beneficiaries including Sunday Nnyammah, Mercy Uzoamaka, Stella Okafor and Chijioke Ebere expressed gratitude to the Council Chairman, Hon. Ani and the UNTH for the gesture.

The event attracted top government functionaries including Hon. Anthony Egbo, Deputy Chairman, Enugu South and Chairman of the Outreach Organising Committee, and Secretary of the Council, Barr. Kenneth Nnyammah, Leader, Enugu South Legislative Arm, Hon. John Egbo, and Chairman, House Committee on Heath, Hon. Michael Ogbodo.

Others are, the Enugu South PDP Woman Leader, Hon. Nkem Nnamani, Mrs. Rita Emeh, Deputy Director Physiotherapy Department UNTH, workers from various departments such as physiotherapy, oral health, eye optician, ear, nose, and throat, as well as nurses and other healthcare professionals.

Enugu South LG Media