The All Progressives Congress has called for increased support and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities across Nigeria as it distributed cash and food items to hundreds of beneficiaries in Abuja.
The beneficiaries, drawn from various disability clusters across the Federal Capital Territory and surrounding communities, received the assistance during an event held at the APC National Secretariat on Tuesday.
The initiative, according to a statement on Wednesday by the APC National Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Tolu Bankole, was aimed at supporting vulnerable members of society while promoting greater participation of PWDs in political and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, his Principal Private Secretary, Jibrin Bancir, welcomed the beneficiaries and reaffirmed the party’s commitment to disability inclusion.
“I’m standing here on behalf of the National Chairman to appreciate you and welcome you to the APC National Secretariat,” Bancir said.
He noted that the party was determined to ensure that persons with disabilities benefit from its programmes and policies.
“The little the APC National Leader of Persons with Disabilities, Aare Hon. Tolu Bankole, is doing, the National Chairman is backing him so that more PWDs will see the benefit of being members of APC. This is a party you belong to, and you are aware of what our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is doing to advance the cause of our country.
“I want all of you to remain firm and believe in what APC is doing as a country and to all of you,” he stated.
Also speaking, Bankole thanked the APC leadership for supporting initiatives targeted at persons with disabilities and urged greater collaboration to advance their welfare nationwide.
“We are stronger together. I appreciate the support of the National Chairman for his love and commitment to PWDs nationwide. He has shown leadership and comradeship,” Bankole said.
He added that the distribution exercise was part of broader efforts to provide relief and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
“Today at the National Secretariat, we continue the distribution of cash and foodstuffs support to PWDs. Thanks to our dependable National Chairman for encouragement, support and leadership. We are stronger together,” he said.
The statement said that beneficiaries from different disability groups, including the visually impaired and hearing-impaired communities, expressed appreciation for the intervention, describing it as timely support amid prevailing economic challenges.
It added that the event also served as a platform to advocate greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance, economic activities and public life.
The party urged government agencies, private organisations and development partners to intensify efforts toward removing barriers that limit opportunities for PWDs and to support programmes that promote their empowerment and social integration.
It also maintained that the welfare of persons with disabilities remains a priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda and called on stakeholders at all levels to work collectively towards building a more inclusive society where every citizen, regardless of physical ability, can contribute meaningfully to national development.
