As Church Partners State Government In Support For PWDs_
The Akwa Ibom State Government says it is working tirelessly to address the challenges of its citizens with disabilities.
The assertion was made on Friday, September 2025, during the official handing over ceremony of wheelchairs and Assistive Walking devices from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the State Government at the Women Development Center, IBB Way, Uyo.
Speaking through the Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, the State Government said it has been very particular in its commitment to the integration and social development of Persons With Disabilities(PWDs) in the society.
According to the Commissioner, under the administration of Governor Umo Eno, Akwa Ibom State has been a shining example of inclusive governance with the appointment of a person with disability as Permanent Secretary in the State Civil Service. Also, other persons with disabilities have been appointed as Special and Personal Aides to the Governor , ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels.
In furtherance of its resolve to accommodate persons with disabilities in its daily activities, the Commissioner disclosed that the government has consistently provided sign language interpreters at all government functions, ensuring that those with hearing impairment are carried along in the scheme of things. She also intimated that PWDs are prominently accommodated in the allocation of Compassionate Homes currently undertaken by Governor Eno.
According to Princess Ibanga, the Governor has also approved educational grants worth N100 million for students with disabilities, both undergraduates and postgraduates.
In a note of appreciation to the Church for its thoughtfulness in providing wheelchairs and walking aids to PWDs, the Commissioner sought further partnership, especially in the area of establishing a socially inclusive ICT Hub to help people with disabilities harness their potential, engage in remote jobs, and improve their livelihoods.
Earlier in his speech, Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of The Africa West Area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said that In total, four hundred and forty four (444) persons with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State have directly benefited from their effort, stressing that these contributions are made freely and quietly, not for recognition, but out of love for Jesus Christ and a desire to bless others.
“Today, we celebrate not just the completion of a humanitarian initiative but the continuation of a sacred commitment to serve, to lift, and to love”, Elder Kyungu said.
Continuing, he said: ” This project, led by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has provided two hundred and sixty-three (263) wheelchairs and one hundred and eighty-one (181) walking aids to the Uyo State Government for distribution to those in need.
“In addition, our Church’s training team has equipped staff from the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare with essential skills in wheelchair assessment, fitting, user training, and maintenance”.
Dignitaries who attended the event were Mrs. Eno Akpan, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr. Ini Adiakpan, the Delivery Advisor for the Nigeria for Women Project; Dr. Itanwan James, Special Assistant to the Governor on Humanitarian Affairs, Prince Nsikanabasi UmoEkpo, Barr. Ime Umofiah, Chairman Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch; Dr. Aniekan Peter, Chairman Nigeria Medical Association; Akwa Ibom State leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities and Stake Presidents from the church, among others.
Goodwill messages were received from the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Mrs. Margaret Edem; State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Nsibiet John, and the Personal Assistant to the Governor on PWDs, Comrade Ubong Ikpe.
The high point of the event was the official handover and presentation of the wheelchairs and assistive devices to beneficiaries.
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