By Olusegun Haastrup
Government at all levels have again been urged not to neglect the welfare and empowerment of People Living With Disabilities,
National Coordinator, Special Persons Association of Nigeria, SPAN, Mr. Chidi Nwankwo, stated this at this year’s edition of its National Handicapped Excellence Award and Anniversary, in Lagos
Delivering a paper titled “Great Expectations” Mr. Nwankwo who said the hope of special people is to live purposefully, and achieve aspirations , called on well meaning individuals to support initiatives aimed at helping these special persons.
Mr. Nwankwo appealed to Lagos State Government to assist in the recovery of the land allocated to the Association in Ikorodu, to build a Creative Centre for Special Persons.
He pointed out that ” the land was allocated with a C of O but unfortunately government constructed road on it. We keep appealing to the state government to re-allocate another land because the Centre must come to being”
In a remark, the President of SPAN, Mr. Princewill David. pointed out that the most important welfare for People Living With Disabilities was skill empowerment, and guiding them to be useful in the society.
He said “SPAN is working for the welfare of the people, it is interested in training and empowerment of People Living With Disabilities”
Metro FM’s presenter, Pretty Adegoke, was presented Media Excellence Award, and was received on his behalf by the General Manager of the Station, Mrs. Ifeoma Okpala, who described the gesture as well deserved.
“Pretty calls himself the nation’s finest, I call him the champion of Metro Fm, he is wonderful. Special people are known for excellence” She added
Other awardees also included Paralympics silver medalist, Ms Christian Igboyi, as well as administrators of schools for special persons.
