In a heartwarming display of community development and inclusive service, leaders and stakeholders of the Malala community gathered to commission a Community Development Service (CDS) project executed by Comrade Okpara Augustinepaul Obinna, a Corps Member serving in Gombe State under the 2020/2021 NYSC batch with state code GM/20B/1896.
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The project, a handicap staircase for disabled people, aims to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the community. Present at the commissioning ceremony were the District Head of Malala (the Sarkin Malala), the Chairman of the Ward Development Committee (WDC) Malala, the Medical Director of the Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) Malala, fellow Corps Members, staff of PHC Malala, a representative of persons living with disabilities in Malala, and Comr. Okpara Augustinepaul himself.
Speaking during the event, Comr. Okpara emphasized the importance of recognizing and including persons living with disabilities in development efforts: “There is always ability in every disability — let’s not neglect them,” he said. “The young man on a tricycle is beyond limitation; he is one of the best tailors in the community. His challenge didn’t restrict him from being among the best in that skill.”
He noted that the event marked a significant moment for the young tailor, who experienced a true sense of belonging, made possible through the compassion and dedication of a patriotic corps member. “Today, he experienced the sense of belonging offered by the countenance of one of the patriotic corpers in Nigeria — my humble self, Comr. Okpara Augustinepaul Obinna,” he remarked.
Comr. Okpara used the occasion to call on institutions across Nigeria to consider the needs of persons living with disabilities, particularly in building accessible infrastructure: “I urge every institution to include the existence of people with disability by building an access staircase for them and for the elderly, to enable easy access to such institutions,” he stated.
He expressed gratitude to individuals and groups who supported the project. “I must commend my Capacity LGI, Mr. Musa Husseini, for his encouragement so far and his prayers,” he said. “I also commend the Community Head of Malala, Alhaji Nuhu, for his filial love and care, and the entire Malala Community for their support.”
Standing firmly by the principles that uphold the rights of people living with disabilities, Comr. Okpara declared that he found it a duty to execute this CDS project in service to humanity and the wellbeing of Malala residents. “They are part of our society. Let’s give them a sense of belonging.”
He closed with a reaffirmation of his patriotic service: “Nigeria is ours. Nigeria we serve.”
— Comr. Okpara Augustinepaul Obinna
Corps Member, NYSC Gombe State, 2020/2021