In a passionate appeal to address the challenges of unemployment and discrimination, the Kogi State Chapter of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) has called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to allocate at least 300 employment slots for their members in the state civil service.
The appeal was made during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Lokoja, where the chapter’s president, Samuel Mark, led a delegation to congratulate the governor on his first year in office.
Mark, while commending Governor Ododo for some of his inclusive policies, expressed deep concerns about the neglect of PWDs in employment opportunities within the state. He revealed that even the Kogi Office for Disability Affairs, a body established to cater to the needs of PWDs, currently employs just one person with a disability.
“This situation is very disturbing,” he said. “We hereby appeal to Your Excellency to consider us and employ more of us in that office. This step, if taken, will not only reduce the alarming level of unemployment among PWDs but also demonstrate that the office truly belongs to us.”
Highly Qualified Yet Neglected
Mark emphasized that the neglect of PWDs persists despite the presence of highly qualified individuals among them.
“It may interest you to know that there are graduates and even individuals with master’s degrees among us who are yet to be considered for employment. Even more concerning is the fact that we have doctors and nurses among our members who remain unemployed,” he lamented.
The president further appealed to the governor to complement his administration’s existing efforts by appointing more PWDs into key positions, especially within the Kogi Office for Disability Affairs.
“While appointing a PWD as the secretary of the disability office is commendable, it is not enough to reflect a truly inclusive government,” he added.
Commendations for Inclusivity
Despite the concerns raised, Mark commended the Ododo administration for its inclusive approach to certain programs. He acknowledged the government’s special attention to PWDs in the distribution of palliatives and their inclusion in the state’s health insurance agency.
He also lauded the administration’s achievements in prompt salary payments, infrastructure development, and maintaining peace across the state.
“Your recent swift response to the public outcry during the tax clearance certificate saga, which affected student registration in tertiary institutions, is equally commendable,” Mark stated.
Governor’s Assurance of Inclusion
Responding to the delegation, Governor Ododo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Sunday Faleke, reassured the PWDs of his administration’s commitment to their welfare.
Faleke disclosed that employment opportunities for PWDs would be prioritized in the next recruitment exercise. He further urged the leadership of the group to compile and submit data on qualified individuals for employment across various ministries and establishments in the state.
“Ensure that all eligible, employable PWD data is properly captured. The government will reach out to the respective agencies and ensure that qualified candidates are employed,” Faleke said.
He also promised that the administration would build on the policies laid down by former Governor Yahaya Bello to guarantee that PWDs enjoy the dividends of democracy.
Call for Restoration of Stipends and Increased Palliatives
In a show of solidarity, the Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Kogi chapter, Mr. Solomon Yahyah, expressed gratitude for the governor’s warm reception. However, he used the opportunity to appeal for the restoration of stipends previously provided to PWDs by former Governor Bello.
“We kindly urge Your Excellency to restore the stipends given to PWDs and also increase the allocation of palliatives to our members,” Yahyah said.
The Way Forward
The visit ended on a positive note, with the PWD community optimistic about the governor’s assurance of action. Mark and Yahyah expressed hope that the administration’s response to their demands would not only improve their economic conditions but also affirm their inclusion as integral members of society.
The plea by the Kogi chapter of PWDs underscores the broader challenges faced by persons with disabilities across Nigeria. Their call for equitable representation and employment opportunities is a reminder of the need for sustained advocacy and government action to ensure inclusivity and fairness in all facets of governance.
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