BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU/PRINCE EJAKPOMEVI
IN a bid to promote inclusion and improve the quality of life for persons with disabilities, The Albino Foundation Africa has distributed 45 assistive items to beneficiaries across three local government areas in Delta State.
The distribution exercise, which was held in Asaba, targeted individuals with various forms of disabilities, providing them with mobility aids and other supportive devices designed to enhance independence and daily functioning.
Speaking at the event, the Founder of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, said the initiative was part of the organisation’s broader effort to bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure that persons with disabilities were not excluded from social and economic activities. He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, noting that access to assistive tools remained a major challenge in many underserved communities.
“We’ve been able to touch lives with these few items. Our effort is not just about talking empowerment, but actually seeing people empowered,” he said.
In his remarks, the Delta State Project Coordinator of the foundation, Dr. Andrew Adaji , explained that the project was designed to enhance mobility and improve the overall well-being of beneficiaries.
According to him, the initiative also included plans to support beneficiaries through entrepreneurship training.
“We intend to complement this with entrepreneurship training. For that to happen effectively, beneficiaries need these assistive devices to move around and participate fully.
So far, about 45 items have been distributed,” he said.Adaji noted that the project was implemented across three local government areas—Oshimili South, Ughelli North, and Warri South, representing the three senatorial districts of the state, in collaboration with disability support networks in the areas.
He further called on the Federal Government to ensure the full implementation of the Disability Act, stressing that it would help address challenges faced by persons with disabilities and improve their welfare.
Adaji expressed optimism that effective enforcement of the law in Delta State would promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunities, enabling persons with disabilities to live more productive and independent lives.
Also speaking, the Delta State Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disabilities, Earnest Igbuzor, commended the foundation for the initiative, noting that the items would significantly ease movement and improve daily living for beneficiaries.
He praised the organisation for amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities and advancing inclusion across the state. Beneficiaries drawn from the three local government areas expressed appreciation for the support, describing the items as life-changing. Some noted that the devices would enhance mobility, boost productivity, and reduce dependence on others.
One recipient, who received a mobility aid, said the intervention would greatly improve his ability to carry out daily activities independently, adding that such gestures restore hope to people who often feel neglected.
