From Scholastica Onyeka, Makurdi
Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), in Benue state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has promised to include Persons With Disabilities in his administration when elected governor come 2023 general elections.
Alia made this pledge when he hosted Persons With Disabilities at the campaign headquarters, in Makurdi, as part of activities to mark the year 2022 World Disability Day.
Alia who expressed sadness at the non inclusion of their members in current government said his administration will carry them along and take care of their needs.
He sympathized with them, and assured that they would be considered as key players if he is elected as Governor of the state come 2023.
In a statement signed by the Deputy Director Media Public Affairs, ALIA/ODE 2023 Governorship Campaign Council, Mr. Donald Kumun, Alia said, “I and my Deputy, represent development, growth, a brighter future, and a new face of Benue. We want lives to be improved. So I’m sure 2023 will usher in a new breathing space for your lives because we will move from grace to grace.
“I thank you for anointing this specific day with your show of love, a day that the International community has set aside for us to know that there are other people in homes, in our churches, in our mosques, in our market square, on the streets and in our communities, that require specific attention.
“We are going to improve skills for those of you who would want to acquire specific skills like David Aondofa, the shoe maker who has presented some shoes to me. And for those who would want to go to school further, just sharpen your brains, and your hands, and your minds, that you are going to school from 2023.
“Everyone is entitled to enjoy the life that God has given to us. So no one will deter you or take away that happiness God is meant for all of us”, he said.
Earlier, the President of PWDs in the state, Mr. Ayoosu Gabriel, appealed to Fr. Alia to remember them when he takes over in 2023 by ensuring their welfare and providing the enabling environment for them to partake in the development process.