Bem Anshe, the Personal Assistant to the Governor of Benue State on Persons with Special Needs and Inclusivity, has issued a stern caution to the disability community regarding the resale of donated items intended to support their daily living. He emphasized that such actions violate the provisions of the State Disability Law.
During the inauguration event of the Wheelchair Distribution Initiative organized by the Women Farmers Advancement Network (WOFAN) in Makurdi, Anshe delivered a keynote titled, “Promoting Social Inclusion by Empowering Individuals with Special Needs.”
He stated unequivocally, “I want to address those who receive donated items and then sell them. This practice undermines the generosity of donors and contravenes the law. Anyone found engaging in this will face appropriate penalties.”
Anshe further praised WOFAN’s efforts, describing their initiative as a significant stride toward freedom and inclusion for persons with disabilities, achievable only through effective and inclusive governance.
In her opening remarks, Iyawo Omaga, team lead, highlighted that the distribution of over 200 wheelchairs to persons with disabilities was carried out in partnership with Ezekiel Jato, Executive Director of Palm Valley Nigeria Limited (PVNL).
Omaga lauded the visionary leadership of Dr. Hajiya Salamatu Garba, WOFAN’s country director, whose dedication has expanded the reach of the ICON2 Project beyond farmers to include persons with disabilities, women, and youth, ensuring comprehensive inclusion.
She noted that for more than three years, PVNL has implemented the WOFAN ICON2 Project across Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, consistently benefiting over 65,000 farmers annually.
Speaking on behalf of Jato, Omaga emphasized PVNL’s commitment as a premier agricultural solutions provider to transforming rural livelihoods, particularly for women and youth, through sustainable farming and strategic collaborations.
“We have established 51 temporary centers, provided clean water, and distributed vital farming equipment to boost productivity. This year, we broadened our scope with a mini-project aimed at supporting persons with disabilities by enhancing transportation, logistics, and empowering micro-entrepreneurs to foster wider inclusion,” she explained.
“Additionally, we have built 40 marketing hubs designed to support businesses run by persons with disabilities, creating platforms for growth, visibility, and opportunity. Today’s wheelchair distribution marks a pivotal achievement not only for PVNL but for all stakeholders committed to social change,” Omaga added.
She concluded by recognizing the strength and potential of persons with disabilities, affirming PVNL’s dedication to enhancing their mobility, independence, and active participation in community development. “This initiative symbolizes solidarity, hope, and a commitment to fairness,” she said.
Omaga also expressed gratitude to partners, stakeholders, and community leaders whose steadfast support has been instrumental in realizing this project. “Your collaboration fuels our mission to build a future where every voice matters, every hand is supported, and every life is cherished,” she affirmed.
