Some physically challenged persons in Rivers on Thursday in Port Harcourt commended the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for training them in different skills.
Mr ThankGod Eniogho, the Niger Delta Regional Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons With Disability, said at the end of a 14-day skills acquisition programme organised by the commission that the initiative was worthy of commendation.
TBI Africa .com said Eniogho told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the programme provided training in different areas such as bead making and make-up artistry.
Other vocations included wig making, shoe and bag making, photography, mobile phone repairs and confectionery production.
“This is a good step taken by NDDC; training and empowerment have been part of the programmes we have been agitating for.
“ This programme has developed the abilities in us, by the grace of God, we are in the first phase of the training process and we are very glad to see that NDDC has started something,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Sotonye Ayibo, a beneficiary, who was trained in confectionary production, said that the programme impacted positively on the participants.
Ayibo also commended the NDDC for providing an opportunity for physically challenged persons to express their `abilities in their disabilities.’
“I hope to be self-employed with the skills gained from the exercise and someday be a job creator for others,” she said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Nwibiagbor Jury, lauded the NDDC for responding to the agitation of physically challenged persons in the society.
“`I must sincerely express my gratitude to NDDC’s management for the great opportunity they have given to us.
“We have always agitated for programmes like this and by the grace of God, they have given us the opportunity to showcase our ability,” he said.
He also commended Mrs Nneka Bissong, representative of the Progressive Women Forum, a Non-Governmental Organisation that facilitated the training.===NAN
