The Kaduna state Chapter of Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has expressed their over the non inclusion of person with disabilities in thier planned Kaduna State Government Palliatives towards cushioning the effect of the lockdown directed towards curbing the spread of Coronavirus.
It is a public knowledge that the Kaduna State Government in its effort towards alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable groups due to the lockdown necessitated by Covid-19 earmarked 500 million naira for the procurement and distribution of relief materials. As laudable as this initiative could be because it is a decision taken by the State government which is timely and key to ensuring that the most vulnerable groups are protected from state from Covid-19, it has not been taken into consideration the person with Disabilities who suffer the most whenever there is any form of economic, social and violent conflicts. Even though a number of PWDs are able to eke out a living, many of them depends on charity to survive.
In a press statement sent to us signed by the Chairman of JONAPWD Kaduna Chapter,Suleiman Abdulazeez. The chapter made some observations based on the realities and concerns raised by the members of association, they are as follows:
(1). The Committee on relief material set up by the State Government was not inclusive of Persons with Disabilities led by the JONAPWD from state to local government level;
(2) We noticed that the cluster committees that was set up to provide assistance to the most vulnerable in the society in some of the local governments (Wards) did not have a criteria for selecting vulnerable groups, thereby leading to the discrimination and neglect of persons with disabilities. However, we want to commend some of the coordinators for ensuring that prioritized PWDs.
(3) Gentlemen of the press, JONAPWD as the recognized umbrella body that speaks on behalf of people with disabilities in Kaduna state want to inform you that corona virus is not the only threat to disabled persons, but also hunger.
(4). It is also very disheartening to note that no special consideration (percentage reserved) was given to the less privilege PWDs in distribution of relief materials to cushion the hardship our members are facing. The Covid-19 pandemic is a national calamity that has no respect for anyone, able or disable, rich or poor. The lockdown curfew enforced by the Kaduna State Government has not exempted persons with disabilities.
The Chapter called for a review of the committee to include people with disability and a percentage for them should be clearly stated in the criteria for selection; as this will give them a sense of belonging and inclusiveness.
The chapter has decided to publicly amplify their concerns, not to criticize the process of selection and distribution but show the world how insensitive the team have been to the plight of persons with disabilities. They also using the opportunity to appeal to the government reconsider the present approach. As they can boldly say that the committee cannot ascertain the number of PWDs that have benefitted so far.
The chairman on behalf of all the persons with disability in Kaduna State wish His Excellence the Executive Governor Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai quick recovery and pray that to Allah to bring Corona Virus in Nigeria to an end in Nigeria.
.
