FG distributes 8 buses to People With Disabilities

The Federal Government on Friday in Abuja distributed eight Subsidy Re-Investment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) buses to People With Disabilities (PWD).

Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), who presented the buses to the representatives of the group, said that the buses would ensure easy movement for them.

Anyim said that the buses were part of the efforts by government to provide more support and empowerment to them and that the buses would help them to move freely as they carry out their businesses.

“Government will also be willing to partner with you in every area you think we can help for the progress and growth of the association,” he said.

He advised members of the association not to feel intimidated or think that there was no hope for them.

“Having a disability does not mean a person is not healthy or that he or she cannot be healthy.

“You can do something to empower yourselves in any area you feel you can. The government is committed to providing support and assistance to your association,” he noted.

Chike Okongwu, member of SURE-P and one of the disabled persons said that SURE-P had invested a total of N15 billion in the Mass Transit Scheme.

He explained that 8.9 billion was provided in the 2012 budget and 6.1 billion in the 2013 budget.

He said that the money was managed by Infrastructure Bank Nigeria, adding that the bank had the expertise in managing revolving loans and that the N15 billion was actually a revolving loan.

“The money is not given to any individuals. We have recorded a high percentage in recovering the money from people who take loans. We ensure that people who collect loans pay back,” he said.

Okongwu said that the World Health Organisation statistics had shown that there were some 22 million persons with disabilities in the country.

Monsignor Johnbosco Akam, Chairman Board of the association, thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for the buses given to them and called for continued support from the government.

He said that the commitment by the government would help to encourage the people to work hard to enable them actualise their vision.