By Ikenna Nwokedi, PhD

The Centre for Disability and Special Needs Research (CENDASNER) on Tuesday, 7th November 2023 honoured benefactors, employers and friends of the students with disability on the occasion of the 2023 National Disability Award Day.

The colourful event which took place at the CENDASNER Office Premises opposite the University Library, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka had the convergence of top government officials, politicians, captains of industries and as well as those in the public sector in attendance.

Declaring the event open, UNIZIK Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Charles Esimone, FAS, stated that the day is a special day set aside to commend and recognize benefactors who support students with disability as UNIZIK is the first institution in the country to celebrate disability worthiness.

Esimone informed that the management is poised to multiple what it has done already for the special students in terms of welfare. The VC thanked all and sundry who have been supporting the centre as it is the dream of the present administration to have the students properly groomed and be counted among the best students upon graduation who are empowered with various skills as there is ability in disability.

In his remarks, Chairman of the occasion and CEO Peak Value Real Estate Company, Mr. Emeka Orogbu commended the Centre for their vision and programmes for students with disability which will go a long way in empowering them to fully integrate into the society via contributing to societal growth and development.

Orogbu emphasized that there is ability in disability if the special need students are well empowered through education, vocational training, moral and financial support. He promised to support the centre in her quest to complete the Skill Acquisition building already under construction. He also commended Prof. Obiozor and his team for their dedication and doggedness in enhancing the visibility of the centre and the institution at large in line with the vision of 'Project 200' under the current administration of Prof. Charles Esimone as the institution's Vice-Chancellor.

In his address, the Director of CENDASNER, Prof. Williams Emeka Obiozor averred that the event is a day set aside to celebrate people who employ graduates with disability and to show appreciation to them for their understanding, magnanimity and philanthropic gesture. Obiozor informed that CENDASNER has started a building for Skill Acquisition Centre for training of her students on skills such as dress making, shoe making, liquid soaps, local air fresheners and many other products which will ensure that the students cater for themselves, generate funds and become self-reliant upon graduation from the Ivory tower.

The scholar called for financial support towards the Skill Acquisition building which is under construction for the actualization of the mission and vision of the centre. He thanked benefactors such as AFREXIM Bank, Chikason, Dubai Estate, Peak Value Real Estate and many other benefactors for their immense support to the students.

The event also featured music performance by Anderson Nwa Nma Band (Blind Musicians), visit to the Skill Acquisition Training Building Site and NAU-CENDASNER Students Performance. 

Highpoints of the occasion was award presentation and pledge of financial support from numerous benefactors of the centre and friends of students with disability towards the Skill Acquisition building project.