PLWDs shower praises on Uzodimma, FRSC on collaboration in inclusivity initiatives
FRSC Orlu Unit Commander, Joshua Ohagwa presenting a gift to the Orlu PLWD Coordinator
People living with disabilities, PLWDs, have commended the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma and the Federal Road Safety Commission for their collaboration on inclusivity initiatives mainstreaming them into official activities with attendant benefits.
The group gave the commendation at a one-day road safety sensitisation seminar organized by the RS9.41 Unit of the FRSC, Imo Sector, for People With Disabilities in collaboration with the state government and other sponsors.
In his remarks at the event, the Orlu Zonal Coordinator for people living with disabilities, Mr Jude Ibekwe, thanked Governor Uzodimma for recognising PLWDs and appointing Hon. Charles Ebonume as his Special Adviser on PLWD Affairs.
Ibekwe also praised the bold step taken by FRSC Orlu Unit Command in organising the sensitisation programme despite the insecurity ravaging the town. He enumerated the difficulties faced by PLWDs in society while trying to carry out normal daily activities. Ibekwe made a passionate appeal to the Executive and Legislative Arms of the Imo State Government for a law to compel all public buildings, including government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, banks, malls/supermarkets, etc, to have PLWD-friendly mobility access ramps, adding that road projects must necessarily have furniture that are disability friendly. In addition to asking the FRSC to appoint a desk officer on PLWD issues, and grant subsidy on driving license for them, they also demanded that the Unit Commander, ACC Joshua Ohagwa be given a Command promotion for identifying with them, noting that such promotion accords with the tradition of the FRSC for officers who do special things for the public, to enhance awareness of the work of the agency.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Unit Commander ACC Joshua Ohagwa, presented statistical records of Road Traffic Crash (RTC) in Orlu, and stressed the need for relevant stakeholders and all categories of road users to put in place adequate measures to reduce the severity of injuries on road crash victims as evident in safety devices in vehicles and road constructions. He reiterated the importance of bringing to the understanding of all and sundry that road crashes are caused and therefore avoidable.
His words: “This seminar is anchored on the paradigm that safety is a collective responsibility. As a responsible, effective, dedicated agency of the Federal Government which has diligent personnel focused on delivering on the mandate of Commission, the FRSC believes very strongly that there is ability in disability. We believe that people with disabilities possess an extraordinary capacity to comprehend and navigate the world despite the challenges they may encounter.
“So, in line with the vision and mission of the Corps to eradicate road traffic crashes and create a safe motoring environment, regulate, enforce, coordinate road traffic and safety management activities through sustained public enlightenment and promotion of stakeholders cooperation, we decided to organise a sensitization programme for people living with disabilities.
“This event marks an epoch in the history of FRSC Orlu Unit Command and has drawn dignitaries and people from different walks of life.
“We are thankful for the positive response to this initiative and are encouraged to pursue the attainment of the vision and mission of the Corps with renewed vigour.”
Also speaking, the representative of the Sector Commander RS 9.4 Imo State, DCC G. Oko encouraged the PLWDs to contribute to safety on the roads, stressing that their involvement would go a long way in shaping the attitudes of motorists.
The seminar, which was interactive, provided an apt opportunity for the voices of PLWDs to be heard. They were encouraged and motivated to realise that there is no limitation to what they can achieve. Their ability to strive and regain their full potential is dependent on their belief system.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on PLWD Affairs, Hon. Charles Ebonume, thanked the Federal Road Safety Corps, Orlu Unit Command, for organizing the seminar, which he described as “an impactful programme targeted at giving people living with disabilities a sense of belonging.”
One of the special guests of honour, Ambassador Onyinye Uwaechia, who spoke through her representative and Head of Department, Business Administration, Hezekiah University, Umudim Nkwerre, Orlu, Dr Oby Osuagwu, greatly commended the initiative.
The event witnessed complementary activities like free medical outreach offered by St Mary’s Hospital Umuowa, Orlu; free registration/data capture for the NIN (National Identification Number) done by Solex Mega Base Limited; distribution of gift items by Extreme Manufacturing Nigeria Limited and decoration of wheelchairs with retro-reflective tapes.
The sensitisation seminar was graced by dignitaries and other notable officials, including the Sector Commander RS 9.4 Imo, CC Evaristus O Ebeniro, represented by represented by DCC Godwin Oko, the Area Commander, Anara, Sole Administrator (SOLAD), Orlu Local Government Area, Barr. Isaiah Chinedu Ezeogo Ambassador Onyinye Gift Uwaechia, represented by Dr (Mrs) Oby Osuagwu, David Ifeanyi Maraizu (Manager, Imo Transport Company Orlu), Supol Onwuzuligbo Ifeoma (NSCDC,Orlu Division, Manager, FCMB Orlu, Mr Onumajuru, Rtd Supol Francis Okereke (Manager, Ekene Diri Chukwu Motors, Orlu)
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