...Plead for establishment of Commission for members
Kingsley Abavo (Managing Editor), Benin
Persons With Disabilities under the aegis of 'Edo Disability Forum' have engaged the Edo State Government on the urgent need to formulate and implement measures to help give them succour, in the prevailing harsh economy of Nigeria.
The engagement became necessary due to the devastating effects of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government and dollarization of the economy, caused by the floating of the Naira against other foreign currencies; the Forum said.
Its members are the worst hit in the prevailing situation, it laments.
In a media briefing held on Tuesday, 19 March, 2024 in Benin-City, Melody Omosah, the executive director, 'Network for the Advancement of People With Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) and convener of the EDF disclosed that outlined measures which if implemented could help the fate of the PWDs; have been put before the State Government.
At the engagement with the various 'MDAs' of the State Government, "We highlighted the disproportionate burden this policy change has placed on our community, exacerbating financial strain, social exclusion, and health challenges" Omosah said.
According to him, the outcome of the engagement includes; demand for free and accessible public transportation, with the provision of disability friendly transportation equipped with the necessary facilities to enhance mobility.
Inclusive budgeting and funding for disability centered programs and projects of MDAs.
Call on the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives to facilitate interest free business grants for enterprises of Persons With Disabilities; to encourage entrepreneurship among them.
Also, the Forum called for a comprehensive healthcare support system, to ensure affordability of medical supplements and services and requested specialized Health Insurance Plans tailored to the needs of PWDS; along with easily accessible health centres.
Highlighting the challenges faced by the PWDs in the face of the fuel subsidy removal, it specifically recommended that policies and programmes of the State Government should expressly target its members.
As it canvasses the establishment of the Edo State Persons With Disabilities Commission; as a sustainable plan to deal with matters affecting them.
At the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Forum reiterated the call for the establishment of the Commission to oversee the implementation of the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Law among other demands, Omosah said.
Adding that in all of the engagement, there are prospects of positivity on the side of Government.
"I am pleased to report that the State Government and MDAs we have interacted with, have been very hospitable.
"Our engagements were met with open minds and hearts and the representatives of these agencies have expressed their commitment to addressing the needs of PWDs in our State.
"They have welcomed our recommendations and have pledged to take the necessary actions to implement them."
The Forum however said though it is excited at the prospect of having a disability inclusive State, "it should be noted that these are promises that need to be backed up with concrete actions."
As it expressed gratitude to the State Government for the willingness to engage with its members and for the commitment to improving the lives of PWDs.
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