The North East Development Commission (NEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritising the welfare of persons with disabilities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency, economic hardship, and natural disasters across the North-East.
The Commission’s Borno State Coordinator, Engr. Mohammed Watsada, stated this in Maiduguri on Wednesday, noting that the pledge was part of its mandate to rebuild lives and restore hope for vulnerable groups whose conditions have been worsened by years of conflict and humanitarian crises.
Watsada described persons with disabilities as some of the most vulnerable in the region’s recovery and stabilisation efforts, adding that they often face multiple challenges in accessing healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities.
He explained that ongoing interventions — including the distribution of relief materials, empowerment schemes, and vocational training — were designed to ensure that no section of society is left behind.
In response, Amadu Umar, Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities in Borno, commended the Commission for reaffirming its support, noting that the NEDC had commenced the distribution of food and relief items to 700 members of the Association in the state.
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He described the palliatives as timely, given the prevailing economic hardship and the lingering impact of insurgency in Borno.
In an interview with the Nigerian Tribune, Mustapha Mohammed, Chairman of the Blind Association of Nigeria, also lauded the gesture, pointing out that the NEDC had been consistent in supporting persons with disabilities through skill acquisition programmes, starter packs, and other empowerment initiatives.
Similarly, Kaumi Lawan, Secretary-General of the Organisation of Persons with Disabilities, urged other government agencies and parastatals to emulate the NEDC in assisting vulnerable groups.
He disclosed that the distributed items included a 10-kilogram bag of sugar, a carton of spaghetti, a carton of noodles, five litres of cooking oil, as well as mats and blankets for 700 beneficiaries across Borno State.
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