The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive development by supporting Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Rivers State through skills development and economic empowerment.

The Commission made this known during an empowerment outreach for youths and women living with disabilities in Port Harcourt, held to mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Representing the Director of the NDDC Rivers State Office, Engr. Okezie Ule, Mrs Patience Opuebi said the Commission recognised the need to deliberately include PWDs in its development interventions across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the initiative brought together stakeholders, government representatives and beneficiaries to advance inclusion and respond to challenges affecting persons with disabilities.

The NDDC Director of Culture and Women Affairs, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, also called for sustained efforts to eliminate barriers that restrict PWDs from participating fully in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and employment.

Imoni said the initiative was part of the Commission’s wider commitment to skills acquisition, advocacy and the creation of opportunities for underserved groups across the Niger Delta.

A facilitator from the Ministry of Justice, Evelyn Member, commended the NDDC for its inclusive initiatives and urged stakeholders to extend their efforts beyond empowerment programmes and economic inclusion.

Member called for opportunities that would enable PWDs to take part in decision-making processes.

Another facilitator and PWD, Ms Ndifreke Andrew-Essien, encouraged beneficiaries to concentrate on their abilities and participate actively in conversations and movements capable of creating opportunities for them.

She also urged PWDs to make their abilities known and leverage their strengths to bring about meaningful changes in their lives.

The outreach underscores the NDDC’s efforts to extend its development interventions to underserved groups while promoting broader participation in the socio-economic development of the Niger Delta.

Source: msmeafricaonline