Foundation distributes free artificial limbs to PWDs in Osun
From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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An organisation, Ishk Tolaram Foundation has distributed free artificial limbs to over one hundred persons living with disabilities in Osun state.
The beneficiaries of the free prosthetic legs could not hide their joy while appreciating the efforts of Hope Alive, the organisation that collaborated with Ishk Tolaram Foundation to distribute the artificial limbs.
Speaking in Osogbo where the limbs were distributed, the chairman of Hope Alive, Engr Niyi Ibikunle, called on the state government to support physically challenged persons in the state to live comfortably.
He therefore appealed to government to rise to the aid of the PWDs by creating employment, providing skill acquisition opportunities and providing capital for them to start businesses.
Ibikunle, a physically challenged, explained that over hundred PWDs received artificial limbs and that the beneficiaries are made up of students, artisans and the unemployed.
A beneficiary of the artificial limb, Mrs Sijuade Olaniyan appreciated the gesture of the foundation and begged the state government to either employ her or give her capital to start a business.
For Miss Salami Bosede, the artificial limb would help her process her admission to tertiary institution to further her studies. She said government has a lot to do in making PWDs see reasons to live like the able-bodied residents.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Social Protection, Sports and Special Needs in Osun state has said that government has been facilitating grants to PWDs and has also ensured that over 600 artificial limbs were distributed freely to the physically challenged in need of them.
Deputy Director in the Ministry, Mr Yusuf Adegboyega, claimed that government always take care of the PWDs whenever there is fund.