By Joseph Erunke, ABUJA

Like in previous years,the Sir David Osunde Foundation is celebrating this year’s Easter with empowerment of persons with disabilities in the country.

More than 1,500 persons with disabilities have been selected from across the country for presentation with different empowerment materials in the 32nd edition of the foundation’s celebration, slated for Monday,at Gosa,along Airport Road, Abuja.

The empowerment materials, according to the organisers,are meant to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges being faced by persons with disabilities.

Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the Sir David Osunde Foundation,Mr Ikem Uchegbulam speaking at a news conference held in Abuja to create awareness ahead of the event,said everything has been put in place to ensure “a hitch-free and a very interesting programme this year.”

He explained that the 32nd Special Easter Monday National Celebration  would be held in honour of persons with disabilities in Nigeria.

The foundation’s beneficiaries, according to Mr Uchegbulam,were selected across the country not based on their religious, ethnic or status backgrounds.

He emphasized that the materials were meant to improve the well-being of the beneficiaries even as he noted that persons with disabilities have been gravely affected by economic hardship, political instability as well as security challenges in the country.

He said the result of the effects was that many of them are struggling to have one square meal per day while, majority feel isolated and abandoned.

Mr Uchegbulam explained that the event would provide opportunity for persons with disabilities to showcase their talent in various fields of endeavour, with some of them displaying various goods they had produced with their hands to guests.

He affirmed that thousands of persons with disabilities would also hold a special prayer session for peace and progress of the country.

He said:”The committee has made arrangements to cater for over 1,500 persons with disabilities including state coordinators. This year’s celebration is focused on persons with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and its environs.

“The foundation has Sir David Osunde as the founder and sole sponsor. The interest of the foundation is to see that persons with disabilities have a good life.

“The activities of the day involves a holy mass to be held by the Archbishop of Abuja archdiocese.

“There will be talent hunt,skill acquisition training , music entertainment and lots of food

“Persons with disabilities look forward every year to having the celebration . We see this as a spiritual exercise. Once in a year,we present ourselves before the Almighty God to thank Him for His numerous blessings, protection and guidance to the family of Sir David Osunde and families of all the participants .

“We equally use the celebration to actually pray for peace in our country, because if there is no peace in the country,the burden of any tumoil  or crisis is on persons with disabilities.”