To celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr. (Mrs) Tolulope Idam Ngbo Tassie (née Ibiam), the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre, Jos, donated 53 tricycle wheelchairs, 13 Zimmer frames, and 30 crutches to persons with disabilities in Afikpo North LGA, Ebonyi State.
The event, which took place at the Afikpo Secretariat, was held in conjunction with Prof. Oyinkan Tassie and the Executive Chairman of Afikpo North LGA, Hon. Timothy Nwachi.
In her remarks, Sandra Yilgwan, Programme and Media Director of Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre, urged the beneficiaries to recognize that disability is often a mindset. “Once your mind is set on the negatives, it can be difficult to achieve something positive,” she added.
Yilgwan took a moment to reflect on the centre’s history, explaining that the name “Beautiful Gate” originates from the Holy Bible. “Although we cannot replicate the miracle that occurred at the Beautiful Gate, we are providing these items to serve as a means of mobility, helping you gain independence.”
Yilgwan concluded by sharing the inspiring story of Chief Ayuba Gufwan, founder and executive director of Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre. Despite contracting polio as a child, Gufwan’s determination has led him to distinguish himself and earn widespread recognition. Yilgwan encouraged the beneficiaries to draw inspiration from his story, using it as a catalyst to drive their own success.
Responding, the Chairman thanked the Beautiful Gate Handicapped People’s Centre for finding his people worthy of benefiting from the foundation’s kind gesture. He called on the beneficiaries to put the items to good use.
The Chairman also promised to always consider persons with disabilities in all their empowerment programmes. He promised to liaise with traditional rulers and other stakeholders to ensure the success of future empowerment initiatives.
The Tassie family, led by Professor Oyinkan Tassie, donated a hybrid palm tree to each beneficiary. He stated that this would help curb climate change and serve as a source of income for the beneficiaries.
