The General Manager of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Dr. Joshua Onyeike, has assured persons with disabilities in Abia State of the commission’s readiness to partner with them to improve their living standards and promote human development.
Dr. Onyeike gave the assurance when members of the Abia State Association of Blind Persons paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Umuahia. He said he has a deep passion for people with disabilities and will continue to support programs that improve their lives.
He noted that ASOPADEC recently carried out visits to homes for persons with disabilities and other less privileged groups in the state. According to him, the visits included the School for the Blind in Afara, as part of efforts to show support and complement the care shown by the state governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
The ASOPADEC boss also promised that the commission would introduce friendly policies that would support persons living with disabilities, describing them as special members of society. He encouraged them to continue working hard to develop themselves and overcome their challenges.
Earlier, the leader of the Abia State Association of Blind Persons, Deacon Isaac William, thanked Dr. Onyeike for the support he gave the group during last year’s White Cane Day celebration. He praised the ASOPADEC General Manager for his commitment to the welfare of persons with disabilities and prayed for God to strengthen him.
Deacon William also requested support for the procurement of white canes, braille materials, and computers for members of the association. He further informed Dr. Onyeike that he had been appointed as the group’s Patron in recognition of his humanitarian efforts.
In their remarks, the State Secretary of the association, Dr. Eninnaya Ekeledilichukwu, and the Abia Central Coordinator, Mrs. Chidinma Mbakwe, expressed appreciation for the support Dr. Onyeike has shown to the blind community and urged him to continue his good work.
