Our correspondent in Jos, IZANG Bala Bulus encountered Seth Attah, the chairman Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities on the Plateau and their chat opened up the challenges facing persons with disabilities in Plateau State.
TQM: What are some of the problems or challenges of persons with disabilities on the Plateau?
In fact, there are a lot of challenges facing the persons with disabilities. Number one we have lack of employment, number two is the environmental barrier, number three is lack of training, number four is the issue of education, etc. Actually, there are a lot of challenges facing us here on the Plateau.
TQM: What is the level of Unity existing among persons with disabilities on the Plateau? Do you have issues of misunderstanding among you?
We really don’t have problems. We have a very cordial relationship among ourselves, yes some little things may come up from time to time, but we usually used to resolve them as they come amicably and immediately.
TQM: With what we are experiencing globally and Nigeria inclusive, that is the issue of covid-19 pandemic. What is the welfare of your members amidst of it here on the Plateau?
The welfare of my members here is very poor. Since covid-19 started, I would say only two NGOs plus the government have come to our aid. We the persons with disabilities expected the government to have done more than it has did, we are still hoping the government would come and help us.
TQM: Now let’s look at the synergy between PWDs and the commission. What is the relationship like?
We the PWDs are having a good working relationship with Plateau State Disability Rights commission, because, anything or advice we ask from them, they always response to them quickly.
TQM: You earlier said, the conditions of your members is poor, what is the position of the commission with regard to this?
All these problems that PWDs are facing on the Plateau, are well known by the commission, and they are doing their best to resolve them by the grace of God.
TQM. What do you think are the benefits of the project of The Qualitative Magazine “Connecting Voices to The World” to your members?
I am sure that my members would gain a lot from it, as it will give them opportunity to tell their stories as it is and as it affects them, their success, their desires and even challenges. These would not only have impact on other people with disabilities here on the Plateau, but in Nigeria as well.
My call here, is for my members to make good use of this given opportunity. And to The Qualitative Magazine, not to remain only within the State capital, but to villages and contact with some of our members there as well.
TQM: Thank you very much Sir for your time.
God bless you and may you continue to do this good job, you are doing.
