In line with its policy of inclusivity for all segments of society, the Edo State Government through the Office of the First Lady, has reiterated its commitments to consistently roll out policies and programmes that cater for vulnerable members in the State.
The Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, gave the assurance during an engagement with members of the Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations (CoNGOs) at the Government House in Benin City, where she commended the umbrella Organisation representing various groups and highlighted the State Government’s concerns for vulnerable members in the State.
In her words, “The Government of the day, under His Excellency, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, is a government of inclusion, ensuring that nobody is left behind, irrespective of tribe, religion, gender, colour, or ability. It’s a government that intends to make sure everybody enjoys the dividends of democracy and good governance. He’s Governor for all; not just some, but everybody.”
Expressing concern for vulnerable groups, including widows, orphans, people with disabilities, the elderly, and indigent families, Mrs. Anani disclosed plans to scale up businesses owned by people with disabilities; a programme which aims to support the demography.
She added, “I believe we need to focus on internally displaced persons’ (IDP) camps, women in correctional centres, leprosarium, widows, and children with cancer. I’m also passionate about children with autism, who often have unique talents waiting to be discovered. As a government of inclusion, our goal is to ensure nobody is left behind.”
Mrs. Anani highlighted the State Government’s sponsored initiative which offers free skills acquisition training in areas including sewing, shoe-making, and makeup. She encouraged individuals and groups to utilize the resources and called for stakeholders to publicise the awareness for more persons to be empowered.
She expressed concern for the elderly, and suggested homes for the elderly, where they can receive proper medical care and social interaction. She advocated improved healthcare for people with disabilities and proposed the inclusion of interpreters in healthcare centres to assist hearing and speech impaired patients in effectively communicating with healthcare personnel.
The President of the organization, Dr. Bartholomew Okoudo, stated that CoNGOs is a non-political, non-partisan Nigerian organization, which is dedicated to public benefit. He highlighted the plight of vulnerable groups to include struggles with poverty, limited access to education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities, and called for an inclusive and compassionate society.
In his words, “CoNGOs, is registered in Nigeria as a non-political, non-partisan, non-tribal, non-religious and public benefit organisation, but composed of voluntary member organisations working in one or more thematic focus in Nigeria in accordance with the laws of Nigeria.
“Your Excellency, we wish to draw your attention to the plight of the vulnerable groups in our society; widows, orphans, persons with disabilities, IDPs, the elderly and indigent families, who, despite their resilience, continue to face immense challenges. Many of them struggle daily with poverty, lack of access to education, healthcare, housing and livelihood opportunities. Their silent cries call on us as leaders and partners, to strengthen our resolve in building an inclusive and compassionate society.”
Mr. Okoudo suggested potential measures in reducing the plights of the vulnerable groups to include economic empowerment programmes, inclusive education, healthcare support, social protection policies, amongst others. He emphasized the place of collaboration among relevant stakeholders in building a future where every citizen, regardless of background or circumstance, can live with dignity, security and hope.
