By Gertrude Onyekachukwu-Uteh & Ese Laura Oghene
No fewer than twenty-five Persons Living with Disabilities (PLwDs), who enrolled in the Delta State Government’s Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Programme (STEP) have received starter packs to begin and run their own enterprises.
The 25 PwDs selected from the 25 local government areas of the state benefitted under the Brown STEP in the 2020/2021 Cycle; they had undergone trainings in vocational skills on their own such as in Hairdressing and Braiding; PoP, Screed-Making and Painting; Fashion Design and Tailoring; Welding and Fabrication, and in Production of Cleaning Agents.
Congratulating them on their establishment with starter packs, the Director of Rehabilitation in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Mr Peter Okocha, charged them to put their starter packs into good use.
He said their enrolment into the job creation programme is a clear testimony of the all-inclusive leadership style of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of the State. He added that PwDs have always been included in the scheme of things in the state since the inception of the present administration.
He listed the categories of beneficiaries to include two visually impaired, seven hearing impaired, ten physically challenged, five with spinal cord injury and one ex-leper, at the ratio of eleven females and fourteen males. He stressed that the objective of establishing them with starter packs was to reduce poverty.
Responding, Augustine Juwe (Aniocha North) in Fashion Design and Tailoring lauded the State Government for coming to his aid after three years of apprenticeship and joblessness.
“I thank the Governor and his government for their love for PwDs. He has always carried us along since he came on board. I was excited when I saw the full package starter pack.
“Those of us who beg for money on the street will stop and engage themselves meaningfully. With my starter pack and ₦100,000 shop rent, I can now open a shop, earn a legitimate livelihood, and be of help to others,” he enthused.
In the same vein, 25-year-old Tosan Davids (Warri South) enrolled in Hairdressing and Braiding expressed satisfaction with the nomination in tears. Hear her, “I am very happy because this is my dream. I have been worried on how I would get money to establish myself. Now, Governor Ifeany Okowa has done it for me. With my starter pack, I can fend for myself; I will no longer be hungry.
