RSG Identifies Challenges To National Security

The national security crisis rocking the North-East part of the country has been blamed on the influx of destitute and beggars on the streets of Port Harcourt.
Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mr. Joe Poroma told newsmen Wednesday in Port Harcourt while announcing plans to commemorate this year’s Day for Person with Disability billed for 18th December.
He said currently the state hosts not less than 3,000 destitute from different parts of the country as Port Harcourt has become a melting pot and economic nerve centre in the country.
Poroma said the state government cannot send such people back but will rather house them till the situation normalizes.
“Because of the security challenges the state cannot send them back but house them and feed them. We can’t send them back,” the Commissioner maintained.
He further disclosed that, “We have more than 3,000 beggars on the streets and if you pull them off the streets then you must feed them and take care of them. The cost of feeding and medical care is enormous.”
Explaining measures put in place to address the plight of persons with disability, Poroma said soon the School for People with Special Needs will be constructed, disclosing that the state government has shown that the care of such persons is top on its list of priority.
So far, he stated that 30 persons with special needs have been trained in different occupational skills such as tailoring, hair barbing, and GSM repairs and have been set up to establish their businesses.
Also, he stated that two persons with disability are currently undergoing scholarship training in the United Kingdom, one of who is a female lawyer doing her Masters programme abroad.
Consequently, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation has called on property owners in the state to adhere to the State Disability Law of 2012 by making their properties disability-friendly.
Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Joe Poroma held that the call has become imperative so as to sensitize property owners on the need to take into cognizance special people in using their facilities.
Already, he noted that the state Disability Law has provided that all property owners make their building accessible to disable persons and announced plans that government will soon begin implementation once the law is circulated.