Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Commissioner, Ministry of Social Justice and Re- Integration, Dr. Filister Irarimam Musa has appealed to the Taraba state government to integrate the visually impaired individuals into existing social services and programme.
Musa also disclosed that the partnership with the Taraba State University had led to the development of a specialized curriculum for individuals with Disabilities.
She stated this during this year’s Cane Day celebration held at the Hope Afresh, Jalingo.
The White Cane Day celebration is a day set aside to raise awareness about the challenges faced by individuals who are Blind or visually impaired and to educate the public on the importance of White Cane as a tool for independence and mobility helping to breakdown stereotypes and misconception about visually impairment.
She appreciated the state Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas for his unwavering support and dedication to the community of Persons living with disabilities.
“Your leadership and commitment to inclusivity have been instrumental in promoting the welfare and empowerment of visually impaired individuals in Taraba State.
According to her, the administration of Governor Dr Agbu Kefas has demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering visually impaired individuals through various initiatives.
“We have sponsored visually impaired individuals to aquire skills at the Farm Craft center in Lagos, enhancing their economic independence.
“Additionally, our partnership with the Taraba State University has lead to the development of a specialized curriculum for individuals living with disabilities.
“As we celebrate, we recognize that there is still much work to be done. I passionately appeal to the Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas to renovate and equip the Blind workshop with the state of the earth facilities to enable the visually impaired individuals to aquire skills,” she said.
The Commissioner further appeal to the state government to integrate the visually impaired individuals into existing social services and programmes, promoting equal access and opportunities, Forster financial independence by providing entrepreneurship training, microfinance initiatives and employment opportunities. Others are, Offering of scholarships for visually impaired individuals to enable them to pursue higher education and realize their full potential and the creation of an environment where people with disabilities can participate fully without barriers or stigma.
I’m his remarks, the state Chairman of Nigeria Association of the Blind, Comrade Wanderimam Teyang, appreciated the state Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas for carrying them along.
“I want to appeal to the Governor to employ the Blind into government sectors.
“I am calling on the Governor to renovate the Blind workshop for members to aquire skills – he further appeal.
This year’s world cane day celebration has the Theme: “Empowering visually impaired Persons,” he said.