By Adekola Afolabi
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The Governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, has presented cash gifts as educational support to some persons with disabilities in the state.
Presenting the educational support to the beneficiaries in Akure, Governor Akeredolu who was represented by the Chairperson, Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (APWD), Mrs Folasade Arise, said the kind gesture was to reduce the financial burden on the parents of the beneficiaries.
No fewer than 15 physically challenged students including hearing impaired, visually impaired, Albino and others benefited from the Governor’s gesture.
The educational support given to the beneficiaries ranges from N20, 000 to N100, 000. The beneficiaries include Post-graduate, undergraduate, Secondary and Primary School students.
Speaking at the presentation, Mrs Arise used the opportunity to appreciate Governor Akeredolu for his unwavering commitment to the welfare and betterment of persons with disabilities in the state without any form of discrimination, even as she urged the beneficiaries and their parents to make judicious use of the money for the purpose it is meant to serve.
While commending the Governor for giving priority to the Persons with Disabilities in the state through the creation of Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities (APWD) in the state, the chairperson equally lauded him for employing many persons with disabilities under his administration.
Mrs Arise equally used the occasion to appeal to parents not to discourage or discriminate against any child by the reason of his or her disability, saying that every disabled person has his or her talent with brighter future.
In separate remarks, the Administrative Secretary of the Agency, Mr Oluwayemi Ogunduboye and the representative of Ondo State House Committee on Special Persons and Disabilities, Seun Atere, appreciated Governor Akeredolu and Mrs Arise for their love and care for the persons with disabilities, even as they advised against discrimination against persons with disabilities in the society.
A national leader of persons with disabilities, Raheem Olatunji, who thanked Governor Akeredolu for his uncommon passion and love for persons with disabilities in the state, also advised all persons with disabilities not to allow their present conditions determine their future, saying there is nothing they cannot become in life.
The beneficiaries appreciated the Governor for always remembering them in times of needs, thereby making life more meaningful to them.
Speaking on behalf of others, Adebiyi Temitope Opeyemi, also thanked the chairperson for the wonderful and unexpected gifts to all of the beneficiaries, just as she encouraged her colleagues not to see themselves as people who cannot make it in life.
“There are abilities in disabilities. We can do it. Tell yourself that you can do it. Don’t downgrade yourself and don’t write yourself off,” she said
