Ondo State Government through the State Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities has distributed empowerment materials to persons living with albinism and other disabilities in the state.

Materials distributed included sewing and grinding machines. Other items are supportive aids like sunscreens, cream, recommended glasses, clippers, barbing kits and cash gift as education support.

Over 1,000 special people benefited from the supportive aids and other items.

Presenting the empowerment materials to the beneficiaries at the Agency’s office in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the Board Chairman, Princess Folashade Arise appreciated the State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for always showing interest in the welfare of persons with disabilities in the state.

She explained that the governor has been a supportive father to persons with disabilities, adding that since he assumed office he has not neglected the special persons in the state but continued to see to their needs.

At the event, some of the beneficiaries who commended the governor for the kind gesture, also said Akeredolu has removed poverty and hunger from their lives.

Arise said though the event was to commemorate Year 2023 International Albinism Awareness Day, persons living with other disabilities like physically challenged, visually impaired and others also benefited from Governor Akeredolu’s kind gesture.

According to her, the theme of this year’s International Albinism Awareness Day which is “Inclusion is Strength”, is aimed at ensuring the inclusion of the voices of persons with albinism in all sectors of life.

“This is what Mr Governor has done by responding to their request for empowerment materials and supportive aids to commemorate their day.

“Although, International Albinism Awareness Day which is June 13 has passed, Mr Governor still approved the commemoration with distribution of empowerment materials and supportive aids.”

The chairman, however, advised all the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the empowerment materials to become self-reliant and employers of labour, just as she also charged them to use the supportive aids including sunscreens and cream to avoid the negative effect of the Sun on their skin.

Some of the beneficiaries including Ayi Emmanuel, Oluwole Shileola, Tofunmi Raphael, Adegoriola Grace and others said the governor has positively changed their lives by providing means of livelihood and taking away poverty and hunger from their lives.