NDDC Empowers 30 Physically Challenged Persons in Imo

By Ike Chidi

Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has concluded a Two- Week Training and Empowerment Programme for 30 persons living with disability in Imo State.

The programme which was facilitated by Impact Life Medical Foundation, taught shoemaking, confectionary, beadmaking, headtie, GSM repairs, makeup, wigmaking and photography skills to the participants.

The State Coordinator of the programme, Mrs Ogechi Okehielam, said the program was aimed at meeting the global unemployment challenge especially as it concerns the physically challenged.

Okehielam noted that the dire consequences of unemployment was on the increase and lamented the near total neglect of the physically challenged persons across the state, adding that employment generation had therefore become “a factor of paramount importance to every nation development agenda.”

She further advised the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity and exploit it for self reliance and wealth creation.
The Coordinator disclosed that some of the beneficiaries would receive “Mobility” such as wheelchairs, crutches and canes in addition to the starter packs which would enable them set up their businesses after the programme.

Beneficiaries who spoke with journalists after the program, commended the NDDC for the effort to equip them with skills to ensure their self reliance.

One of the trainees, Godspower Anyanwu who received training on repairs of mobile phones, thanked the trainers for being thorough, emphasizing that he had learnt enough to set up a mobile phone repair shop that will help him put food on the table.

Anyanwu appealed to the NDDC to continue with the programme so that more people can benefit from it to empower themselves.

Another trainee, Tochukwu Nwokeukwu who learnt shoemaking said he would make the most of the opportunity with the starter pack he had received at the end of the training.

Nwokeukwu who had been unemployed, expressed his willingness to train others in subsequent empowerment programmes. With
Mr Friday Chukwuneke, a visually impaired man who trained on beadmaking advising other participants to use their skills to the glory of God, while urging them to assist others who will want to learn from them.

A trainer in the programme, John-Steven Eke who is a mobile phone repairer, expressed satisfaction with the trainees who had learnt the basics of the skills taught them, said he simplified the training to ensure they learnt and understand the skills within the duration of the programme and urged them to continue their training to broaden their scope.