By John Ikani
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, on Wednesday at the Nigerian Content Tower (NCT), Swali, Yenagoa, donated 52 wheelchairs to the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Bayelsa State Chapter.
Addressing the Association Executives at a brief ceremony, Engr. Ogbe said the donation was in fulfilment of a pledge made last March at a meeting between the Management of the Board and leaders of the Association. “We are not turning our eyes away from your needs,” he assured the Association, adding, “We have to aid your mobility.”
He urged members of the Association to eschew any tendency toward antagonism when seeking the attention of public agencies on any issue, stating that the Board would readily engage with them in exploring ways to be supportive.
The NCDMB boss said entitlement mentality has not been helpful to youths of the Niger Delta, pointing out that resources under the management of Federal Government agencies are for all Nigerians.
He enjoined youths to acquire useful skills so they could be productive and employable. He promised that the Board would provide training opportunities for vocational skills for members of the Association of Persons with Disabilities in the near future.
In response to a request by the Association for consideration for employment, Engr. Ogbe promised that any time vacancies exist, members with appropriate educational qualifications and skills would be employed.
Receiving the wheelchairs on behalf of members, the Association Chairman, Hon. Ekpomukumor Mayor, expressed profound appreciation to the Management for its prompt action on requests made in March. “This is a good sign – you are a listening leader,” he declared.
He and other members of the Association Executive also thanked the Management for the training programmes being planned by the Board.
The event was witnessed by Directors of the Board, namely, Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu, Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele, Project Certification and Authorisation Directorate, Barr. Naboth Onyesoh, Legal Services, Ifeanyi Ukoha, Finance and Personnel Management, and the General Manager, Corporate Corporations and Zonal Coordination, Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq.
