Church donates 444 mobility aids to Akwa Ibom
Relief has come for persons with disabilities in Akwa Ibom State as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated 263 wheelchairs and 181 walking aids to the state government.
The donation, presented at an official handover ceremony in Uyo, was led by Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of the Church.
He explained that the intervention marked the conclusion of the Wheelchair Project and the continuation of the Church’s humanitarian service, inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
“Today we celebrate not just the conclusion of the Wheelchair Project, but a continuation of humanitarian service,” Elder Kyungu said, noting that the project was made possible through voluntary donations from Church members worldwide.
He added that the wheelchairs had been customised to meet individual needs, restore dignity, and improve quality of life.
Receiving the items on behalf of Governor Umo Eno, the State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs, Princess Emem Ibangha, commended the Church for the gesture.
She noted that the intervention would transform lives, adding, “Today, women and men who once crawled will now go out and return home clean, courtesy of the Church’s humanitarian service.”
She also highlighted the Church’s contributions in Akwa Ibom, including the construction of schools, health centres, and support for nutrition among vulnerable groups.
Other dignitaries at the event praised the initiative. Dr Ini Adiakpan, Delivery Advisor to the Governor on Women Development, said the project had “broken barriers,” while the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom Council, Comrade Nsibiet John, lauded the Church for its consistent support to the state.
Similarly, Comrade Ubong Ikpe, Personal Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, said the Church had “redefined humanity by giving mobility to those who needed it the most,” describing the intervention as life-changing.
The occasion also attracted the Chairmen of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Uyo Branch, Ime Umofiah, Esq, and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Akwa Ibom State, Dr Aniekan Peter, who both commended the Church and called for greater collaboration with professional groups to sustain the impact.
Kyungu was accompanied by senior Church leaders, including Adiel Ntuk, Stake President of Uyo, Nigeria; Inyon, Stake President of Ibiono, Nigeria; Orok Orok; and Christian Onuvughe, Presidents of the Uyo Central and Ibesikpo Stakes.
