The Sir David Osunde Foundation (SDOF) has said that His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of Abuja, and His Grace, Ignatius Kaigama, Archbishop of Abuja, will preside over its 33rd annual Thanksgiving celebration for persons with disabilities.
They also revealed that this year’s event will be held simultaneously in Abuja and Benin City, Edo State, a strategic move aimed at easing travel for participants by offering venues in northern and southern regions of Nigeria.
The chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Ikem Uchegbulam, disclosed this in Abuja, during a pre-press briefing ahead of the event scheduled to take place this Easter Monday.
The annual gathering is a core part of the Foundation’s mission to honour and empower Nigerians living with disabilities, with thousands of guests expected at both locations, marking a significant return to Benin City, which last hosted the event 19 years ago.
Uchegbulam explains that Cardinal Onaiyekan will officiate the Thanksgiving Mass in Benin City, where he is also expected to formally declare the Foundation’s annual activities open. At the same time, Archbishop Kaigama will lead the Mass in Abuja.
He noted that the event features spiritual reflection and a robust empowerment programme, including the distribution of assistive devices and other support tools for individuals across the country.
Uchegbulam said: “The medical outreach and empowerment programme is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Participants will gain valuable health knowledge and learn practical skills to help them earn a living using their hands and minds. After the Thanksgiving Mass, a reception will follow at both venues, featuring entertainment from invited music bands.
“Sir Edmond Akhigbe, a prominent Catholic and Chairman/CEO of Edmond Rooms and Suites, Asaba, will chair the Benin City reception. In Abuja, the event will be chaired by Sir Steve Adehi, SAN, President of the Association of Papal Knights and Medalists of Nigeria.”
Programme Manager Officer of SDOF, Anuniru Emmanuel, praised the Foundation’s sustained commitment to enhancing the quality of life for people with disabilities.
He said, “We distribute items through our state coordinators and ensure proper follow-up through video and pictorial documentation.”
