Disability Commission Urges Support For Persons With Physical Challenges
Wealthy individuals and organisations have been encouraged to extend a hand of fellowship to people living with physical challenges and help them develop a strong sense of belonging in society.
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, Barde Keana, stated this during a medical outreach organised by a grassroots philanthropist, Abba Usman.
Speaking during the medical outreach, the Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Disability Rights Commission, Barde Keana, represented by Bridget Awazi Christopher, affirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting and protecting the rights of the downtrodden in society.
The convener of the medical outreach, Abba Usman, said the programme was organised in honour of Dr. Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment, Mining, and Natural Resources, who, he said, has made a significant impact on the lives of people living with disabilities in the state.
He stressed that the Commissioner has been an advocate for the less privileged in the state, particularly through her initiation of the building currently occupied by people who are visually impaired, as well as other laudable initiatives that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
The Executive Director of Beacon Youth Initiative, Envoh Emmanuel Okolo, explained that the outreach, which targeted visually impaired persons, included screening for Hepatitis B and C, HIV, Syphilis, cough, and eye checks for children of visually impaired individuals.
The beneficiaries were also provided with detergents and hijabs for women as part of the support offered during the outreach.
An eye doctor, David Nathaniel, noted that eye screening for the children was essential, considering the possibility of hereditary eye conditions.
He explained that the screening was necessary to help detect possible eye problems early and prevent children from developing blindness, while warning against self-medication for cataracts and glaucoma, which he identified as among the primary causes of blindness.
During the outreach, a politician in the state, Bukhari Nata’Allah, appreciated Dr. Margaret Elayo for reaching out to people with disabilities and supporting their welfare.
The Chairman of the Association of the Blind in Lafia, Bala Danladi, also thanked all the partners involved in the medical outreach for their support and contribution towards improving the wellbeing of people living with disabilities.
