RSG Orders NECO Office Relocation From PWDs’ School Premises

Chairman, Nigeria Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Rivers State chapter, Mr. Oladapo Olaya (middle), with a member of the institution, Mr. Elliot Orupabo (right) and immediate past State Chairman of the union, Mr. Emma Okas Wike, during a media briefing in Port Harcourt recently

Rivers State Government has directed the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation to relocate the office of the National Examination Council (NECO), from the premises of the school for the handicap persons at Creek Road, Port Harcourt.
The Deputy Governor Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo who gave the directive, yesterday when members of Sorglues and Care Development Foundation paid her a courtesy visit in Government House, Port Harcourt, said the move was to enable Government accord proper attention to the needs of the school for the physically challenged.
Dr. Banigo assured persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike, has the political will to address problems confronting them stressing that the State Government through the office of the Solicitor General will study the existing laws on Persons With Disabilities with a view to reviewing it for effective implementation.
The Deputy Governor noted that the “Blue print of Government policy frame work emphasis quality standard of education, Healthcare and Empowerment Programmes for all segments of the society.
Dr. Banigo explained that the physically challenged persons in the state shall be provided with free healthcare and free Education to give them opportunity to harness their potentials.
She therefore enjoined the Private Sector to Partner Government by identifying with Persons Living with Disabilities as part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility (CSR) to give them a sense of belonging.
According to her, “Banks should create opportunity for the physically challenged persons to access banking halls to enable them transact their business unhindered.”
The Deputy Governor reiterated the determination of the State Government to cater for the less privileged in society and to provide a conducive environment for them to live happily.
Earlier, the President of Sorglues and Care Development Foundation, Mr. Kie Obomanu, said the occupation of a section of the School premises for the Handicapped Persons by NECO since 2000 has deprived the Students access to their laboratories and other facilities leading to refusal of the examining body to register them for the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Mr. Obomanu, solicited for scholarship and training in different skills for their members as well as review of the law on disabilities to meet current realities, to enable them fulfilled their destinies.