In Umuahia the Abia State Capital , a non governmental organisation known as Global Compassion Coalition brought smiles on the faces of disabled Couples as the NGO organized a Valentine day bash for physically Challenged couples at kolpin Society Event Centre Umuahia.
Speaking at the event , a blind teacher in the school of the blind, Mr Urasi Eze and his wife said they have been married for the past 32 years and they have lived happily but not without challenges. They urged disabled persons to endeavour to marry each other despite any challenge .
Mr Eze said he was already married before he lost his sight. He said despite his Disability his wife have been very supportive.
He encouraged married disabled couples to put love and trust first in their marriage, ,to forgive each others short comings, adding that there is no perfect marriage in the society .
Answering questions Mrs Eze said her husband’s blindness have not effected their marriage rather it have made it stronger. She noted that she has stood by him and supported him. She made it clear that since they married they have never slept apart and they have been operating a joint bank account.
She encouraged childless couples among them to strive to adopt at least a child adding that children are necessary in families.
Speaking also, the state chairman of Joint National Association of persons with Disability, Abia State Chapter Hon. Wisdom Oke Kalu said they are happy with the Nigerian Chapter of Global Compassion Coalition known as Compassion Connectors Nigeria who are the main sponsors of the program , for organizing the Valentine day Hangout for them in collaboration with the Abia State Chapter of Joint National Association of Persons With Disability . He said it is a thing of joy that they are remembered at time as this . He urged the NGO to make subsequent editions of the event more elaborate to accommodate more disabled persons.
Contributing, the state woman leader of Joint National Association of persons with Disability, princess Ngozi Nwanguru said they are always marginalized as she appreciated the NGOs for finding them worthy to celebrate with them.
She reiterated that she have always been in the forefront of advocating for inclusion and rights of persons living with Disability adding that she wants to live beyond Disability. She regretted that most often disables are neglected , dispised and stigmatized, she thanked governor Alex Otti for giving them sense of belonging and carrying them along in all his activities expecially for establishing a Commission for the disabled in the state.
Speaking, the National Coordinator of Compassion Connectors Nigeria, Crusader Uche Uwalaka, said Global Compassion Coalition is an organization that brings joy to persons with disability hence the reason for the Disability hangout.
He said this is the second edition of the celebration adding that the next edition may be moved to other states in South East so that all can have sense of belonging.He noted that in a day like this, they decided to show the disables love, teach them on how to manage their marriages and have a happy home adding that he is happy that the turnout was impressive.
The Coordinator, however ,assured that by the next year celebration they would reach out to more philanthropists for help to add more colour with glamour to the event including giving out palliatives in future editions .
He said the NGO would include Singled disables in subsequent celebrations adding that such occasion can give them the opportunity to meet their potential husbands or wives . He said all that have been taught about marriage by the elderly couples will go a long way to strengthen the marriages of the younger couples here.
David Maduako
Umuahia
