The wife of Abia governor, Priscilla Otti, distributed 600 bags of 50kg rice, 1,000 kegs of 2.5 litres of groundnut oil, and cash to persons with disabilities on Thursday.

In a speech at the event in Umuahia, Ms Otti said the gesture demonstrated her commitment to supporting PWDs to assist them navigate over the economic challenges facing the country.

She affirmed her determination to continue to provide support and opportunities for vulnerable persons, adding that the palliative support programme would lead to more positive developments in future.

“There are a lot of interventions from the federal government, like the NG-cares. I know that members of your community might not have fully benefitted from them. We are going to work assiduously to ensure that you are included in these interventions,” she said.

Mr Otti said she was delighted to see the efforts made by most members of the disabled community to harness their exceptional abilities and become self-reliant despite facing some challenges.

She assured the PWDs of the government’s resolve to provide support and opportunities for self-reliance that could make a significant difference in their lives.

She appealed to philanthropists and good-spirited individuals to support the government’s efforts toward improving the welfare of PWDs.

The commissioner for sports and youth development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the Abia government had created various platforms that could be used to improve the welfare of PWDs.

Mr Ananaba said the government prioritised the interest of PWDs.

He said the government was interested in ensuring they received equal opportunities as their counterparts to become empowered and positively impact society.

(NAN)