From Adamu Suleiman
Some 500 physically-challenged pupils in Sokoto State will not forget a corps member, Ifeoma Okonkwo Cheta in a hurry.
The Anambra State-born graduate initiated a scheme to support the pupils with learning materials.
Cheta, who presented the materials to the beneficiaries to pupils of A.A.Raji Special School, Sokoto, said the gesture was in the spirit of commemorating Nigeria’s 59th independence.
“I embarked on the purposeful project to send a message to the physically-challenged and the world that Nigeria still believes in them, their dreams, aspirations and reality in the I survival process,” she said.
Cheta also appealed to the three tiers of government – Federal, State and Local Governments to carry along the physically-challenged in the affairs of governance by creating employment for them.
According to Cheta, recruiting persons with disabilities would enable them contribute positively towards the general development of the country.
“The physically challenged are intelligent and competent to handle any roles or responsibilities bestowed on them like any Nigerian.
“Only by so doing, they will not feel dis-enchanfranchised nor discriminated against. Nigeria needs to tap from their potentialties”, she said.
The Corps member further appealed to the Sokoto State government to protect the physically challenged from marginalisation.
“We also have several other children on the streets needing similar support from individuals, groups, organisations and government. We should collectively extend our helping hands with the little available resources we have”, she called.
In her remarks, Hajiya Zainab Abdulnaseer who chaired the ceremony gave a pass mark to President Muhammadu Buhari, commending him for sponsoring an Act aimed at solving the issues related to disabled persons in Nigeria.
Accordingly, she appealed to all and sundry to rally support for the struggle and ensure that the act becomes a law for the overall development and progress of the country.
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