NAPVID Empowers 200 PWDs With Skills

The wife of the Edo State governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, has encouraged people with disability, PWDs, to explore their ability in disability to help make them succeed in life. She said the state government intends to create the enabling environment for them to strive and progress.
Mrs. Obaseki represented by Hon. Godsent Osagie, SSA to the governor on Religious Matters gave the advice at the flag-off/ inauguration ceremony of the NAPVID Skill-Up Program in Benin city.
She advised persons with disability to take the skills training serious and ensure they learn well.
The state first lady said that for them to make impact in the society, they must put on good attitudes and manners to make them excel in their various skills in the society.
Mrs. Obaseki stressing that there is ability in disability, urged them to use wisely, the skills they will acquire, and equipment to be given to them.
She said an invitation to learn a skill, is an opportunity to be self-reliant and to contribute to the society.
“As a government, we are going to ensure we create an enabling environment for you to operate. As you can see, in this 21st century, we are aware that disability is no longer an issue that affects more. People with disability should see themselves as new persons that have been transformed with skills and capacity to add to the economy of the nation.
“Disability is no longer a problem in this 21st Century. You must see the treasures, potentials and gifts that God has deposited in you, and see how you can actualize in life,” she added.
The executive director, Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), Melody Omosah said over 2000 people with disabilities from the 18 local government areas in Edo State will be trained on different skills that would make them self-reliant in life.
Omosah said the skill capacity training is for only PWDs who do not have skills.
He said the essence of the programme is to make sure people with disability live a life of dignity and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.
He explained that the training includes shoe making, make-up artistry, fashion designing, bag making, graphic design and many other skills.
Omosah appealed to the trainers to help train them in the manner in which they would learn and understand.
He thanked the Edo State government, the media, government ministries and agencies, and all those that partnered and support NAPVID to ensure the success of the event.
The permanent secretary, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues, Sylvester Okoeguale, said the vision of the state government is to provide good environments, facilities, equipment and other vital supports for PWDs to advance in life.