Port Harcourt, Rivers State - In a heartening event marking the 2025 #WorldDisabilitiesDay, Rivers State's First Lady, Her Excellency Lady Valerie Fubara, launched a major economic empowerment program, providing special grants to uplift persons living with disabilities (PWDs) across the state.
Lady Fubara represented the Wife of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and utilized the occasion to roll out the Renewed Hope Initiative Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs in Rivers State.
Grants to Boost Business and Living Standards
The core of the initiative is the provision of special grants designed to fuel the business ventures and improve the overall standard of living for beneficiaries. The Honourable Commissioner for Health was also in attendance, lending strong support from the state's health sector.
"Discrimination is the Real Tragedy"
Delivering her keynote remarks, Lady Fubara shifted the focus from the disability itself to the societal treatment of PWDs.
"Disability is not a tragedy, but discrimination against persons living with physical disabilities is the real tragedy," she stated passionately.
The First Lady issued a strong call to action, urging corporate organizations across Rivers State to step up and actively contribute towards the economic well-being and upliftment of people with disabilities.
Health Security for All Beneficiaries
In a significant move to ensure comprehensive well-being, the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) immediately enrolled all grant beneficiaries into the state government's health insurance scheme. This step ensures they have access to quality healthcare under the state's Universal Health Coverage drive.
The event concluded with a special recognition for the First Lady, as the RIVCHPP conferred the prestigious Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award on Her Excellency Lady Valerie Fubara.
0 Comments