Izzi (Ebonyi), Nigeria – The Wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has announced a N500,000 monthly feeding support for visually-Impaired students of the State Special School, Opefia, in Izzi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Nwifuru made the pronouncement when she visited the school on Friday.
The governor’s wife stated that the responsibility is in line with the goals and commitment of her pet project, the Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO).
She added that the support would enhance and boost their sense of belonging.
“We have to support people in need. This is part and commitment of my pet project to support and improve lives of the needy.”
She said that persons with visual impairment faced numerous barriers to their full inclusion and participation in community life.
She called on the students to report any form of violence against them to her foundation team installed at the area to protect their rights and bring to book intending perpetrators accordingly.
She added that the foundation would enhance safety of the students through provision of emergency number to report possible cases.
According to her, the foundation would continue to create a conducive environment for the children and other vulnerable people to have equal access, rights and enjoy socio-economic benefits that accrue from developmental processes.
She commended teachers of the school for their contributions to the upbringing of the special children and other students.
Mr Boniface Nome, Principal of the school, commended Gov. Francis Nwifuru and his wife for promoting and advocating equitable access to public service for persons with visual impairment as well as building their capacities.
Nome pleaded with the state government to provide new hostel accommodation with facilities, laboratory equipment, library to suit the visually-Impaired students, reactivation of primary section for the blind, among other interventions.
The principal said “we have come this far because of the students’ enthusiasm, support from parents and guardians and dedication on the part of staff.
Gloria Igwe, one of the special students, appreciated Mrs Nwifuru for her love and support so far to the physically challenges and other less privileged in the state.
Mr Benedict Oyoko, Assistant Comptroller of Nigeria Correction Service in-charge of Abakaliki Custodian Centre, and Rev Sister Nwanneka Udoh, Hospital Administrator Mile Four Abakaliki, appreciated Mrs Nwifuru for her commitment and supports to inmates and patients in the state.
During the visit, Mrs Nwifuru presented 200 exercise books and other educational materials, bags of rice, garri, soap and cash gifts to the school.
Community-based Rehabilitation Centre, Children Correctional Centre (rehabilitation centre) and other facilities visited also received similar gifts.
