Odukpani Chairman Hosts New Year Outreach for PLWDs
As part of activities marking the New Year, the Executive Chairman of Odukpani Local Government Area, Rt. Hon. Etim Asido, on Wednesday hosted Persons Living with Disability (PLWDs) in the LGA, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusion and care for vulnerable groups.
The event, held on January 14, brought together PLWDs from across the 13 wards of the local government area. In attendance were the Vice Chairman of Council, Ambassador Patricia Iya; the Secretary of Council, Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Asuquo; the Deputy Leader of Council, Hon. Godwin Ndem; the Director of Humanitarian Services, Mrs. Theresa Ebeshi; the Supervisor for Humanitarian and Social Welfare, Joy Awatt Esq.; heads of units, and other stakeholders.
Representing the Chairman, the Secretary of Council, Rt. Hon. Barr. Alex Asuquo, welcomed the beneficiaries and reaffirmed the commitment of the present administration to inclusive governance. He encouraged PLWDs to remain hopeful and resilient, stressing the popular maxim that “there is ability in disability.”
He assured participants that the Etim Asido-led administration is determined to ensure that no group is left out in governance and development efforts within the local government.
Speaking on behalf of the PLWDs, Ms. Iquo Mkpang expressed appreciation to the Chairman for the outreach and his continued support for persons living with disability in Odukpani LGA.
She, however, highlighted several challenges facing PLWDs, including unemployment, inadequate funding for sports activities, lack of political inclusion, and the absence of disability-friendly legislative buildings.
Ms. Mkpang also appealed to the council to consider approving a designated representative for PLWDs in the local government legislature to strengthen inclusion and advocacy.
In her response, the Vice Chairman, Ambassador Patricia Iya, urged beneficiaries to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of items so that all PLWDs across the wards are adequately captured in future interventions.
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