Ebonyi State First Lady, and Founder of Better Health for Rural Women Children and Internally Displaced Persons Foundation, BERWO, chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, on Friday, positively impacted the lives of visually impaired students of State Special School, Opefia, in Izzi Local Government Area, by announcing monthly support of N500,000 to cater to their feeding needs.
This generous commitment the Governor’s Wife said aligns with her foundation, Better Health for Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Persons (BERWO), which aims to improve the lives of the needy.
Mrs. Nwifuru emphasized that people with visual impairments face numerous barriers like full inclusion and participation in community life.
She added that the foundation would enhance the safety of the students through the provision of emergency numbers to report possible cases adding that the support would enhance and boost their sense of belonging.
According to her: “my foundation would continue to create a conducive environment for the children and other vulnerable people to have equal access, rights and enjoy socio-economic benefits that accrue from developmental processes.”
The Principal of the school, Mr. Boniface Nome, expressed gratitude to Governor Francis Nwifuru and his wife for their unwavering support. He also appealed for additional assistance, including new hostel accommodations, laboratory equipment, and library facilities tailored to the needs of visually impaired students.
Mr Boniface Nome, Principal of the school, commended Gov Francis Nwifuru and his wife for promoting and advocating equitable access to public service for persons with visual impairment as well as building their capacities.
Nome said the school came this far because of the student’s enthusiasm, parents’ and guardians support, and the dedication of staff.
Gloria Igwe, one of the special student, appreciated Mrs Nwifuru for her love and support so far on the physical challenged and other less privileged in the state.
Mr Benedict Oyoko, Assistant Comtroller of Nigeria Correction Service in-charge of Abakaliki Custodian Centre and Rev sister, Nwanneka Udoh, Hospital Administrator Mile Four Abakaliki appreciated her for commitment, supports to inmates and patients in the state.
Highlights of the visit were presentation of 200 exercise books and other educational materials, bags of rice, garri, soap and cash gifts to the school.
The bags of rice, garri, soap, clothes, cash gifts among other items were distributed to Community Based Rehabilitation Centre, Remand Home and facilities visited.
© Nnenna Oshibe
