Delta Government has pledged to uphold support for persons with disability, especially the deaf and dumb, by including them in its empowerment programmes.
Mr. Festus Agas, the Chief of Staff, Government House, had made the vow on Monday, while addressing members of the Association of the Deaf and Dumb at the Government House, Asaba, on an awareness and advocacy procession.
Agas, who was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, praised the group for their peaceful conduct.
He reassured that the Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa administration would continue to provide for the deaf and physically challenged in all skill acquisition programmes.
“I want to welcome you to Government House, Asaba, and thank you for the orderly manner in which you have organized yourselves in carrying out your advocacy.
“I want to reassure you that as a government, we run an inclusive administration.
“We have a lot of empowerment programmes such as Job Creation, Girl-Child Empowerment as well as Rural Youth Skill Acquisition (RYSA) programme.
”In all these programmes, without any fear of contradiction, the government made provisions for the deaf and dumb and other physically challenged persons in the state,” he said.
Agas added: “the deaf and dumb like every other persons are humans and also deserve the good things of life.”
He urged members of the group to take advantage of ongoing cycle of RYSA selection for trainees to enlist and acquire skills.
Agas promised to convey their message to the Gov. Okowa.
Mr. Emmanuel Oyibo, the Association President, had earlier thanked the state government for giving them the opportunity to organize another Deaf and Dumb Awareness Week.
He disclosed that the programme would provide opportunities to enlighten the public on how to break the communication barrier between the deaf and other members of the public.
Oyibo, however, appealed to the government to continue to include members of the association in its programmes.
