Mrs. Ebelechukwu Obiano, wife of Anambra State Governor, has said that disability is not a death sentence explaining that physically challenged persons could do great things in the society if properly guided and assisted.

She urged people to make conscious effort to make life worth living for the physical challenged by being positive change agents in their lives.

Mrs Obiano stated this in a statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Emeka Ozumba on the occasion of the commemoration of the 2017 International Day of the Physically Challenged (IPDP) in Awka, Anambra State.

She called for awareness and promotion of understanding of disability issues and the mobilisation of support for the well-being of such persons.

She said: “I believe that physical challenge is not a death sentence. It is just a temporary state that may require the discovery of innate gifts and abilities endowed to us by God Almighty for us to overcome challenges.

“More so, it behoves on those of us who are better endowed to be agents of positive influence and action that can improve the fortunes of our brothers and sisters in other to make a better society.

“That is the essence of the observance of the today and I would like us all to reach out and touch lives positively.”

Mrs. Obiano, who is the founder Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFÉ), a Non-Governmental Organisation, said her NGO had helped in refurbishing, sustenance of students of Basden Special School Isulo, Orumba South and others as well as the training and empowerment of over 2,600 persons, including physically challenged persons, widows and youths.

According to her, CAFÉ had provided prosthetic limbs to 1,300 persons, as well as wheel chairs and mobility aides to 450 physically challenged, among other projects executed in support of the administration of her husband, Chief Willie Obiano in Anambra State.

Mrs Obiano described this year’s theme of IDPD: “Transformation Towards Sustainable and Resilient Society for All,” as apt, because it addressed the issues of inclusiveness and equal opportunities irrespective of physical abilities as a recipe for a resilient society.”

“The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3.

“The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

“It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life,” she added.

Update news