RSG Assures On Disabled Persons’ Welfare

The Rivers State Govern
ment has re-stated its commitment to the implementation of the law on the welfare of persons living with disabilities.
The Governor of the State, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. George Feyii gave the assurance yesterday in a keynote address at the 2013 –International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Port Harcourt.
According to him, all the necessary mechanism had already been put in place to ensure that the law was implemented by early months of next year.
The Governor urged the persons living with disabilities to change their mentality about themselves, and shun disrespectful and debasing activities such as begging on the streets, as they were not inferior to anybody in the society.
In his welcome address, the state Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Hon. Joe P. Poroma listed the achievements of Governor Amaechi’s administration in relation to persons with disabilities in the state.
Hon. Poroma stated that, the Rivers State government had offered special overseas scholarships to persons with disabilities.
He also mentioned the provision of special taxi cab scheme pioneered by the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) in collaboration with ESI for persons with disabilities, which is the first of its kind.
The Commissioner therefore urged the private sector to join hands with the state government to better the lot of  persons living with disabilities.
Earlier, the Chairman Special Committee for Welfare of Persons with Disabilities,  Mr. Sunday Peter Ikeugwu appealed to the state government to fast track the implementation of the 2012 law on the welfare of persons with disabilities.
He commended the state government for its commitment in ensuring that persons with disabilities benefitted immensely from government’s programmes.
Mr. Ikeugwu assured the state government of their support in making life more meaningful for the people of the state.

Enoch Epelle

Director-General, Rivers State Tourism Development Agency, Mr Sam Dede (right), chatting with Dr Harry Agiriye (left), during the Route Appraisal for 2013 CARNIRIV at Liberation Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt last Wednesday. With them is Divisional Police Officer of Abua Police Station, Mr Uche Chukwuma (middle).
Photo: Nuieh Donatus Ken