The Rotary International Organisation, District 9110 in a gesture of goodwill, presented some wheelchairs to about 20 physically challenged beneficiaries in Lagos.
During the presentation exercise, the District Governor, Mr Remi Bello commended the wheelchair committee for their efforts and also advised the beneficiaries not to trade or transfer the wheelchairs.
“I don’t always accept the word disability because there is ability in disability. I know this because we believe in your ability and that is why we have decided to empower you.
“Rotary is taking it upon itself to eradicate polio but you know we can’t do that without having people with challenges. We will however always do our best to support you,” he said.
In his reply, the Chairman of the Wheelchair Committee, Mr Tunde Ezichi, who is also a former Assistant Governor of Rotary, said it wasn’t easy selecting beneficiaries and commended his committee members and donors for putting smiles on the beneficiaries faces.
“The objective of Rotary is basically service to alleviate suffering of various people.
“You may be physically changed but that doesn’t mean you cannot be functional and part of our task is to ensure your functionality and make sure your disability doesn’t stop you from living your life to the fullest.
“There are lots of disabled people around the world, especially in Nigeria. We can’t do it all but this is the beginning so let’s thank God, our District Governor and everyone instrumental to the accomplishment of this task,” he said.
The Chairman added that Rotary International sought for many but was able to secure 30 wheelchairs from donors who included individual Rotary members, private organizations and well-meaning individuals.
Read Also: Disabled Chinese Boy Dies While Father Was Quarantined
He said that 19 of the wheelchairs were given out and that other beneficiaries are being expected as the committee had mandated beneficiaries to appear in person to receive the wheelchairs.
Dr Oladeinde Shoga, a former Deputy Governor of Rotary said that mobility is a right for all persons but people become temporarily or permanently unable to exercise this right for various reasons.
“We all know as human beings that mobility, the ability to move around, to be in a place you desire to be without seeking anyone’s help is a basic need, indeed a right for all.
“In restoring this right to most disabled persons, wheelchairs occupy a place of pride among the most popular mobility aids coming in different sizes for children to adult size with various modifications and adaptations.
“Rotary’s romance with persons with disability dates back several years. More than 100 years ago, Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, focused on some interest by helping children with disabilities and encouraged clubs at the time he was President to develop projects that addressed their needs.
“In 1921, he served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society of Children with disabilities. Indeed the first donation of 500 dollars by the Rotary Foundation was to the American society for crippled children,” he said.
Dr Shoga further congratulated the District Governor and the Wheelchair committee on the successful organization of the project, adding that Rotary could take the gesture to a higher level.
“Grow more and Do more as we serve to change lives,” he said