As many Nigerians are currently grappling with poverty and hardship more than ever before, persons with disabilities are more likely to experience extreme poverty than those without a disability.
In a continuous effort by the outgoing Executive Chairman, Ughelli North Local Government, Hon. Chief Godwin Adode JP, to cushion the effects and improve the terms of participation in society for disadvantaged people through enhanced opportunities, access to resources, voice, and respect for rights, he empowered another 40 members of the People with Disabilities in Ughelli North with a cash gift of fifty thousand naira today, 5 March 2024.
In his opening remarks at the event which took place at the Local Government Secretariat, Chief Adode underscored the negligence of the political and social class towards people with disabilities and called for family and community support and engagement that will better their lives.
He said his administration, in line with Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, has engendered initiatives centered on community development, platforms for crisis response, and humanitarian services for vulnerable groups in Ughelli Local Government Area.
However, taking a bow from office as the Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government will be incomplete without reiterating our deliberate actions towards social inclusion and vulnerable groups, as this has always been a major concern for our inclusive governance in the Local Government, he noted.
Chief Adode further thanked the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for investments in inclusive employment and livelihood interventions to address unemployment and other challenges among persons with disabilities in Delta State.
He urged the next administration of the Local Government to sustain social protection programs that will foster the utmost sensitivity about the needs of the PWD.
“Programmes should ensure their effective coverage and access to social protection benefits, support services as well as information related to employment and other facilities,” he hinted.
Recall that Chief Hon. Godwin Adode empowered the first batch of the PWD in Ughelli North Local Government Area in 2023, as well as facilitated the employment of 7 other members into the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board – SUBEB.
Other dignitaries present at the event were Hon. Solomon, Deputy Leader of Legislative Arm; Mr. Ase Timothy, Head of Personnel Management; Mr. Alexander Djukpa, Treasurer to the Local Government; Pastor Less Numuja, PDP Chairman Ughelli North; Comr. Ernest Igbuzor, JONAPWD Chairman Delta State, among others.