Rivers State government has directed the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation to relocate the office of the National Examinations Council (NECO) from the premises of the School for Handicapped Persons at Creek Road, Port Harcourt.
The state deputy governor, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, who gave the directive when members of Sorglues and Care Development Foundation paid her a courtesy visit at the Government House, Port Harcourt, said the move was to enable government accord proper attention to the needs of the school for the physically challenged.
Banigo assured persons living with disabilities (PLWDs) that the state government under the leadership of Governor Nyesom Wike has the political will to address problems confronting them, stressing that the state government through the Office of the Solicitor General will study the existing laws on persons with disabilities with a view to reviewing it for effective implementation.
She said, “The blueprint of government policy framework emphasises quality standard of education, healthcare and empowerment programmes for all segments of the society.”
The deputy governor explained that the physically challenged persons in the state shall be provided with free healthcare and free education to give them opportunity to harness their potentialities.
She urged the private sector to partner government by identifying with Persons Living with Disabilities as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to give them a sense of belonging.
