Rector of Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwolloye, Rev. Fr. Nnamdi Nwankwo, has urged persons with disabilities not to see their condition as an excuse to live a hopeless life.
Nwankwo stated this at an event, organised by an NGO, Initiative for Eradication of Poverty and Empowerment of the Disabled (IFEPED), in Enugu on Friday.
He reminded them that there was hope for them to live a good life and fulfill God’s plan for their lives.
The event was aimed at providing mobility aids to people with disabilities.
According to the priest, God has plans and assignment for everyone on earth, irrespective of the person’s physical or psychological condition, and that the plan must be fulfilled.
“You are a champion, irrespective of the deformity.
“For being born into this world, one is already a winner. The fact that you were not killed before birth means that the future is bright.
“Respect yourself, no matter your situation in life and stop saying negative words or having negative thoughts about yourself, but be positive.
“Your destinies are in the hands of God and physical disability cannot stop you from achieving them,” he counseled.
The rector recalled that as the principal of College of Immaculate Conception (CIC), Enugu, he took care of children with disabilities, despite government’s failure to fulfill its obligations to them.
Also speaking at the occasion, a former Minister of Aviation, Mrs Fidelia Njeze, represented by Mr Ngozi Chibuoke, urged those living with disabilities to have faith in God and confidence in themselves.
Njeze, who noted that these would enable them fulfill God’s purpose, however warned them against allowing depression, frustration and intimidation to get hold of them, no matter the situation.
Wife of Enugu State Governor, Mrs Monica Ugwuanyi, promised to better the lots of people with disabilities in the state by linking them to international organisations that would assist them in accomplishing their desires.
Ugwuanyi, represented by the Commissioner for Gender Affairs, Mrs Peace Nnaji, said that the ministry was proud to associate with people with disabilities, adding that they would not hesitate to assist them, anytime they were called upon.
However, the IFEPED President, Mr Victor Ugwu, solicited for more state government’s attention and support toward the activities of the organisation, to enable it empower more persons with disabilities.
Highpoints of the event were presentation of mobility aids, including wheelchair and clutches as well as scholarship awards to some people with disabilities.