The Akwa Ibom State Government and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have strengthened efforts to improve the welfare of Persons with Disabilities with the distribution of wheelchairs and walking aid devices, alongside the successful training of local clinicians and artisans on the coupling, fitting, repair, and maintenance of mobility aids.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three-day training programme held in Uyo, the Honourable Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibanga, described the intervention as a significant step toward enhancing mobility, independence, and dignity for Persons with Disabilities in Akwa Ibom State.
Princess Ibanga said the training had successfully equipped clinicians and artisans with practical skills in the assembly, fitting, adaptation, repair, and maintenance of wheelchairs and walking aid devices, thereby strengthening the state’s capacity to provide quality mobility support services.
She expressed profound appreciation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the humanitarian gesture, noting that beyond the donation of the mobility devices, the church also facilitated the deployment of expert physiotherapists from Uganda who trained local professionals, ensuring that beneficiaries would receive properly fitted and maintained assistive devices.
The Commissioner also commended Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of vulnerable persons, stating that the Governor facilitated the clearance and payment processes required for the successful delivery of the donated equipment.
According to her, the intervention aligns with the administration’s ARISE Agenda, which prioritizes inclusion and empowerment through educational support grants, social welfare programmes, strategic appointments, employment opportunities, and other initiatives targeted at Persons with Disabilities.
She noted that while government remains committed to supporting vulnerable groups, the scale of existing needs requires collaborative efforts from development partners, faith-based organisations, and the private sector.
“This collaboration has further strengthened the partnership between The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Government of Akwa Ibom State, creating a solid foundation for future initiatives that will positively impact the lives of our people,” she said.
Princess Ibanga also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders whose support contributed to the success of the programme.
Addressing the participants, the Commissioner congratulated the trained clinicians and artisans for successfully completing the programme and urged them to utilize their newly acquired knowledge to improve support services for Persons with Disabilities across the state.
She emphasized that the intervention would not end with the training, revealing that the coupling, fitting, and distribution of wheelchairs and walking aids would continue to ensure that beneficiaries receive mobility devices tailored to their individual needs.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Eno Akpan, traced the project’s origin to discussions held in 2024 between the Church and the State Government, noting that the initiative had grown into a successful intervention through sustained collaboration. She expressed gratitude to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Ugandan facilitators, and all stakeholders whose support and commitment contributed to the success of the programme.
Mrs. Akpan also commended the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training, describing their commitment as a key factor in the programme’s success.
Speaking on behalf of the Church, Elder Enefiok Tom Ntem expressed delight that the initiative, which began last year, had become a reality. He said the programme reflects the teachings and example of Jesus Christ, who demonstrated compassion and care for people in need throughout His ministry.
Elder Ntem noted that the Church remains committed to supporting vulnerable persons and improving their welfare through humanitarian interventions, urging individuals and organisations to emulate Christ by showing love, kindness, and compassion to those around them, adding that the Church finds great joy in reaching out to communities and uplifting lives. He also congratulated the clinicians, artisans, and beneficiaries, commending their dedication and participation in the programme.
Speaking on behalf of the Ugandan Team, Mr. Denis Nsimenta gave a comprehensive review of the three-day programme, highlighting its objectives, activities, and outcomes. He expressed appreciation to the Ministry for its support and commitment to the success of the initiative, as well as to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its continuous humanitarian interventions aimed at improving lives across the globe.
Mr. Nsimenta explained that the wheelchairs and walking aids were carefully assembled and customized to meet the specific needs of individual users, noting that every disability presents unique mobility challenges that require appropriate solutions.
He stated that the training equipped clinicians, technicians, and artisans with the skills needed to assess users, modify mobility devices, and carry out repairs and maintenance. According to him, beneficiaries were professionally assessed and provided with suitable mobility aids that would enhance their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life.
In his vote of thanks, One of the participants, Mr Chukwuma Onya, thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government, the Ministry, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the training. He described the programme as impactful and assured that participants would apply the skills acquired to better serve Persons with Disabilities in their communities.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Bureau of Cooperatives and Rural Development, Rt. Hon. Alice Ekpenyong; the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Nsibiet John; the South-South Coordinator, (JONAPWDs), Mr. Edmond Ekanem; as well as the Keystone Bank Branch Manager, Mrs. Ememobong Aniekan Uko. They commended the Ministry and its partners for the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards promoting inclusion, mobility, and improved quality of life for persons with disabilities in the State.
The ceremony featured the presentation of wheelchairs to beneficiaries and certificates to participants, marking the successful completion of a programme aimed at enhancing mobility, independence, and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities across Akwa Ibom State.
Also in attendance were, Permanent Secretary, Human Capital Development, Mr Uduak Isaac, Executive Secretary, AKSACA, Dr Enobong Akpan, SSA to the Governor on social welfare, Mrs Margaret Edem, SSA to the Governor on local Media, Comrade Amos Etuk, SA to the Governor on PWDs, Mrs Nnene Bassey, SA to the Governor on Entrepreneurial Development, Mrs Meflyn Anwana, PA to the Gov on PWDs, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, PA to the Governor on Humanitarian Services, Mrs Mfon Isreal, amongst other stakeholders.
