By Joy Umo
The Local Government Service Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly in employment and public engagement.
Chairman of the Commission, Mr Darlington Bassey Eyo, gave the assurance in Calabar when he received members of the Cross River State Association of the Deaf on a courtesy visit.
He stated that physical disability does not diminish an individual’s talent, intelligence or capacity to deliver on assigned duties.
Mr Eyo stressed the need to mainstream Sign Language into public communication to ensure inclusiveness. He noted that Sign Language should be adopted as an essential tool for dissemination of government information, adding that the state requires more trained Sign Language experts to make communication accessible to all.
Speaking through a Sign Language interpreter, the President of the Association appealed for increased inclusion in the civil service through employment opportunities for its members.
Bassey explained that the association comprises well educated and skilled individuals who are capable of performing efficiently in different fields if given the opportunity.
The group commended Governor Bassey Otu for empowering persons with disabilities through job creation initiatives driven by the Commission’s leadership. They described the move as a demonstration of a people centred and inclusive governance approach.