By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo.
What could be described as milk of human kindness characterized the gesture by MTN Foundation Nigeria in collaboration with Centre for Prevention of Deafness and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impaired Persons (ICPDRHIP) as 250 hearing aid devices were distributed to 160 impaired persons in Akwa Ibom.
The beneficiaries of the devices were selected through an audio metric assessment exercise sponsored by MTN Nigeria to ascertain those in genuine need of such devices.
Speaking during the distribution exercise which took place in Uyo, the state governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel lauded MTN for the choice of the state for such gesture. He pledged to ensure he continue to create enabling environment in the state for corporate organizations to thrive.
While applauding the foundation for the choice of persons to touch, Emmanuel who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr Elizabeth Obot, said his administration places high premium on persons with disabilities, as evidenced in constant provision of social services through empowerment of these ones and other socially disadvantaged persons in the state.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Dr Glory Edet noted that hearing impairment has posed serious challenge to many in need, even as it has great potential of truncating growth of the nation. She therefore commended the MTN Foundation for its favorable disposition towards victims of such impairment in the state.
She commended Governor Udom Emmanuel and wife Martha whom she acknowledged have constantly been attentive to the plight of persons with disabilities through various programmes and interventions in the state.
The Director, MTN Foundation, Reginald Chukwuemeka Okeya thanked Governor Emmanuel for creating enabling environment for private businesses/partnership to thrive in the state. He considered it a privilege for MTN Foundation to partner the state government to positively touch lives.
Speaking on behalf of the International Centre for Prevention and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impaired Persons ( ICPDRHIP), Dr. Enenche Audu, educated beneficiaries on the effective use of the devices to derive maximum benefits.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Akpan Monday Job expressed appreciation to MTN for the gesture, saying it would greatly assist them to overcome odds that hindered them due to their predicament.
