Breaking down the Barriers of Disabilities: MTN Celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Towards a more inclusive society and an enabling environment for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), MTN Nigeria on Monday 3 December 2018, joined the rest of the world to celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disability in Abuja, Nigeria.

The International Day of Persons with Disabilities was established by the United Nations in 1992 and observed annually on December 3.

The Nigerian theme for this year’s IDPWD is “Disability: Breaking down the Barriers,” with a focus on creating a more inclusive, fair and conducive environment for PwDs to thrive without any form of hindrance or limitation.

Commenting on the IDPWD commemoration, Nonny Ugboma, Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, stated, “International Day of Persons with Disabilities is more than a day for reflection for us at MTN.

“It is a rallying call for us to strive towards a more inclusive society. This can only be achieved by collaborative effort; by the coming together of like minds bound by a collective drive to make our world a better place for all.”

Speaking at the event, Director, MTN Foundation Mrs. Aishatu P. Sadauki reiterated MTN’s commitment to ensuring persons living with disabilities are not at a disadvantage in the society due to their condition.  “In collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and government at various levels, 19,000 persons with disabilities have benefitted from MTNF Disability Support Project.

“In addition, 833 undergraduate scholarships have been awarded to students in public tertiary institutions under the MTNF Scholarship Scheme for Blind Students.

“It is pleasing that 291 of the awardees have graduated while some of them have also acquired special employability training to increase their employability after school.

“We will continue to give our best efforts, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to support all persons living with disabilities to break down barriers,” she said.

A past beneficiary of MTN Foundation’s scholarship scheme for the blind, Justice Chukwu, who was recently called to the bar, also seized the opportunity to share his story of how MTN has made life brighter for him and many other colleagues.

As part of activities to commemorate the day, MTN Foundation donated relief items, including Braille machines and crutches to persons with disabilities through the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

The Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Abubakar who was present at the event commended MTN Foundation for its relentless support and commitment to improving the plight of PwDs in Nigeria.

MTN Foundation, established in 2004 is the social investment vehicle of MTN Nigeria and has been a leading supporter of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.