PWDs seek better societal inclusion
Members of Irede Foundation during the limb walk
Persons living with Disabilities (PWD) have called for social inclusion and equity, especially in areas of education, job and health opportunities.
This was said at the yearly The Irede Foundation (TIF) Out on a Limb Walk, with the theme: “A Walk for Inclusion”, held at the weekend.
An amputee, Michael Showunmi, while stressing that PWDs are just like every normal person, said that the Walk helps create awareness that such persons are an integral part of society and as such should be treated fairly.
He lauded the efforts of the Foundation in providing limbs so that amputees can live full lives.
“This is my first limb from Irede and it has made things easy for me. Before now, the limb I had was heavy and limited my movement a lot, because after a few minutes of walking I would need to stop to rest and adjust my leg, but this is seamless,” he added.
Executive Director, TIF, Crystal Chigbu, said that the Walk was ongoing simultaneously at 60 locations globally.
She explained that this year, they intend to give out 200 limbs as against 102 in 2022.
She called on citizens to join the ‘Power of Three Donation Campaign’, an ongoing fundraising campaign to raise funds for child amputees.
Chigbu said: “Join me on this journey. Over the last ten years, we have given 361 limbs. Last year alone, we gave out 102 limbs and this year, we want to do 200.
“To do 200 limbs, our budget is over $500,000, but it’s possible with you and that’s why I want you to come on the journey of the Power of Three with me. It’s so powerful because it’s you giving N3,000 for three months and calling three of your friends to be a part of it for the next three months. ”
Nigerian National Petroleum Company/Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (NNPC/SNEPCo), Prembly and Procter & Gamble (P&G) partneted with IREDE Foundation on this year’s advocacy walk for Children with limbloss.
