NCDMB Fulfills March Pledge with 52 Wheelchairs for Persons with Disabilities in Bayelsa
Yenagoa — Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), on Wednesday fulfilled a commitment made earlier in the year by donating 52 wheelchairs to the Bayelsa State Chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). PulseNets learned that this donation came after a promise made last March during a meeting between NCDMB’s management and the Association’s leadership.
Addressing the PWD executives at a brief ceremony, Ogbe spoke to PulseNets, affirming that the Board was fully aware of the needs of the disabled community. “We are not turning our eyes away from your needs,” Ogbe said, adding, “We have to aid your mobility.”
Ogbe also told PulseNets that he encouraged the Association to avoid confrontation when dealing with public agencies, stating that the NCDMB would always be open to dialogue and partnership. He noted that an entitlement mindset, particularly among the youth in the Niger Delta, was unproductive, emphasizing that resources managed by federal bodies are intended for all Nigerians.
As PulseNets reported, Ogbe went further to advise the youths to acquire valuable skills that would increase their employability and productivity. He promised the Board’s support through vocational training programs for members of the disabled community in the near future.
Responding to the Association’s request for employment consideration, Ogbe assured that members with the necessary qualifications and skills would be given priority when vacancies became available.
Hon. Ekpomukumor Mayor, Chairman of the Bayelsa Chapter, expressed his gratitude to NCDMB, telling PulseNets, “This is a good sign—you are a listening leader.” Mayor also extended his thanks to the Board for the planned training initiatives.
Also Read: Darkness hits Bayelsa as vandals attack two TCN towers
Key officials present at the event included Alhaji Abdulmalik Halilu from Monitoring and Evaluation, Engr. Abayomi Bamidele of the Project Certification and Authorization Directorate, and Barr. Naboth Onyesoh from Legal Services. Others in attendance were Ifeanyi Ukoha (Finance and Personnel Management) and Esueme Dan Kikile, Esq. (Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination).
