GSM- PWD’s Initiative Empowers Members, Harps On Self-Reliance
•By Oyeniyi Awojoodu, Ibadan
IBADAN – Oyo state government in its efforts towards reducing poverty in the state especially among People With Disabilities, (PWDs) the GSM- PWD’s Initiative on Friday organized a capacity building programme for the people with disabilities inm the state.
The programme targeted at building a Brighter Future and Raising Hope for Persons with Disabilities in Oyo state was coordinated by the Executive Assistant to the Governor Seyi Makinde on People With Disabilities, Mr Femi Timothy to intimate PWDs on the giant strides of the Governor over the last 5 years and most especially in Omituntun 2:0.
According to him, Governor Seyi Makinde gives priority attention to the welfare of PWDs through the creation of the Agency for People With Disabilities.
Mr Timothy said that the PWDs will enjoy more dividends of democracy in Omituntun 2:0 as the state government has taken some bold steps towards ensuring a better life for them.
“I want to thank the state Governor, Egnr Seyi Makinde for the unflinching support given to PWDs in Oyo state. PWDs in the state are fortunate to have a passionate person at the helm of affairs, hence the progress made regarding their wellbeing.”
“I urge everyone to continue to support Governor Makinde in his people-oriented projects aimed at raising Hope for Persons with Disabilities.” Timothy said
The Director -General, Agency for People With Disabilities, Barr Ayodele Adekambi commended Mr Timothy Olufemi for organizing a befitting program to mark one year of their appointments by Governor Makinde.
He explained that the Government will soon roll out names of PWDs who will be Special Assistants and Supervisory councilors in the local government council areas of the state.
In their remarks,the Chairman Oyo State Board of Internal Revenue Mr Femi Awakan, Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on PWD’S Comrade Olanrewaju Oladosu, Special Assistant to the Oyo Governor on Interfaith, Reverend Femi Ibukunle enjoined the PWDs to have confidence in their ability to turn things around to their advantage.
Also the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, Retired CP Sunday Odukoya charged PWDs to be security conscious in their respective areas and continue to be agents of positive change.
In a lecture titled Unlocking Economic Opportunities for people with Disabilities, Mr Gbenga Ogunbola said there’s a need for PWDs to discover their talents and make use of it for their economic advancement.
According to him,to build a Brighter Future for people with disabilities,it is imperative to remain focused on their vision and mission so as to help them succeed in their business to become employers of labour, rather than job seekers.
He charged the PWDs to leverage on technology through social media platforms to market their goods and services.
At the 50 of PWD beneficiaries of the programme were supported with financial assistance to boost their businesses.
Some participants also lauded the Governor and Mr Olufemi Timothy for the initiative adding that the programme have really opened their eyes for brighter future
The event had in attendance Paralympic Gold Medalist, Yakubu Adesokan (MON) Chairman JONAPWD, Blind Association, Physical,Albino, Intellectual,Mental and other relevant Stakeholders.