The Initiative for Disability Empowerment with Accessibility and Support (IDEAS) on Friday distributed palliatives to Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in Benin City, Edo.
Mr Mohammed Afegbua, Chairperson, IDEAS, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the gesture was to cushion the effects of the COVID -19 pandemic.
IDEAS, is an NGO set to assist, empower and contribute to alleviating the sufferings of Persons with Disabilities.
According to Afegbua, the efforts of governments at the various levels to provide for persons disabilities need to be complemented as government alone cannot do it .
The chairperson reiterated the fact that COVID-19 is real and has affected our ways of life as well as the educational systems , both conventional and vocational.
He counseled the beneficiaries on the need to be mindful of their vulnerabilities and ensure they maintain good hygiene, particularly with regard to the use of aids and appliances for their daily living.
He gave an instance of an infected person transmitting the COVID-19 to a visually impaired person by touching their guide-canes.
Afegbua urged them to ensure they washed their hands with soap and water regularly, use sanitisers, nose masks and maintain physical distancing to reduce their risk of exposure to the virus.
He thanked donors who in their magnanimity contributed immensely to the successful distribution of the palliatives.
He also commended members of the Board of Trustees of IDEAS, friends, well – wishers and members of the media for their support and encouragement that aided the success of the programme.
NAN reports that the programme targeted the distribution of various items to 100 beneficiaries.
The palliatives were presented to groups/clusters of beneficiaries including the Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired , Physically Challenged, and Children living with Disability.
However, the children were not allowed to attend the event but their mothers were on ground to collect the palliatives on their behalf.
Also, other members form sister NGO’s were on ground to collect palliatives on behalf of their members.
The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation for the palliatives and hoped for the sustenance of the programme.
Edited By: Vivian Ihechu/Ekemini Ladejobi (NAN)
