By: Vitalis Ugoh, Calabar
Cross River State Government has been called upon to be more visible in engaging people with Disabilities(PWDs) in all it’s policies and programmes across the 18 local government areas.
The Progressives With Disabilities, a multi- Purpose Cooperative Society Limited based in Calabar drew the attention of government in an address presented during a courtesy call on the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon Patrick Egbede in his office.
The document which was presented by its Chairman, Mr Offiong Okon lamented the under utilisation of it’s members in the affairs of governance in spite of the availability of talented individuals among them.
While commending the State governor for making provision of over 40 million Naira in the 2024 budget for specialized care for People With Disabilities urged government to exploit the abundant potentials in their ranks.
The people pleaded for special consideration in all areas of human development and not to allow them grapple with pains competing with able bodied people.
They particularly called for special attention in the distribution of loans and grant forms currently being disbursed to members of the public.
Responding, the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Hon Patrick Egbede said that as enunciated elaborately in the state government budget governor Otu was passionate about the plight of People With Disabilities as reiterated in several fora of the government’s sincerity.
While commending them for the steadfastness in forming a cooperative society he promised to do everything within his mandate to carry them along in the ministry’s policies and programs.
