The Renewed Hope Initiative has continued its support for Persons Living with Disability (PLWD) as it extended its Financial Empowerment Intervention to beneficiaries in Bayelsa State on Wednesday during activities marking the World Disability Day. The programme took place at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Yenagoa where 250 persons each received N200,000 under the RHI Economic Empowerment Programme.
The Wife of the Governor and Coordinator of RHI in Bayelsa State, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, described the gesture as an important stride towards inclusion and growth. She said the empowerment reflects the organisation’s commitment to poverty alleviation, economic development, sustainable livelihood and improved well-being for beneficiaries.
According to her, the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has carefully designed and executed strategic programmes nationwide to ensure no group is left behind. She noted that the initiative is being implemented across the Thirty Six States and the FCT with the theme Fostering Disability-Inclusive Societies for Advancing Social Progress.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Children Affairs Empowerment and Social Development, Pastor Agnes Oloye, Dr. Diri urged beneficiaries to see themselves beyond their physical challenges. She explained that the financial support is expected to help Small and Medium Entrepreneurs grow their businesses and integrate better into their communities.
“There is Ability in Disability, I want to Encourage you to See this as an Enabler not Pity, because You are Complete in Various Ways,” she said. She advised recipients to identify their strengths, pursue education, skills and ventures that will uplift rather than limit their potential. She added that modern technology has created opportunities to make once difficult tasks achievable with minimal effort.
Dr. Diri also thanked the Wife of the President for providing support for vulnerable groups in the country, saying the gesture aligns with the RHI Social Investment objectives targeted at improving family welfare.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Association of Persons Living with Disability in Bayelsa State, Mr. Ekpomokumor Mayor, expressed gratitude to Senator Oluremi Tinubu for the intervention. He appealed for stronger legal frameworks and policies that protect and include Persons Living with Disability at all levels of government.
According to him, laws that prioritise the welfare of the physically challenged will help build a society where everyone can participate meaningfully. He stressed that support initiatives like this are a boost to the independence and dignity of PLWD, while urging government institutions to ensure continuity and enforcement of disability-focused legislation.
