By Ijeoma Obioma in Benue.
The Nigerian Red Cross (NRC) in partnership with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) has extended a compassionate hand to 110 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Benue State through the distribution of dignity kits aimed at promoting inclusion and care.
During the distribution held in Makurdi, Fatima Nasir, the Director of Protection, Gender, Inclusion and Education at the NRC headquarters in Abuja, explained that the initiative falls under the organisation’s capacity-building programme for protection, gender, and inclusion.
“People with disabilities are often left behind. This is our way of showing them love and letting them know the Red Cross cares. The dignity kits are symbols of that care. Though this programme is designed for PWDs, we’re also including women of reproductive age, particularly pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers,” Nasir said.
She noted that the project is being implemented across six states: Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau, and Niger.
Also speaking at the event, the acting Chairman of the Red Cross in Benue State, Danladi Umar, said the initiative aims to bring PWDs closer and increase their visibility in society.
“Although the primary target is PWDs, we felt it important to also support pregnant and breastfeeding women so they feel included,” he added.
Jacinta Igwilo, the coordinator for the PWD community, expressed gratitude to the Red Cross for recognising and supporting vulnerable groups as she prayed for continued blessings on the organisation and its mission.
