By JOSEPH EGBEOCHA

TQM report,

Abia State Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities have commended a religious Leader and philanthropist Evangelist Mrs. Oluchi Precious Kalu of Mountain of Changes Ministry, Agbozu Uzuakoli of her kind gesture to their members.

The Evangelist in her speech disclosed that the gesture is part of her covenant with God to reach out to Persons with Disabilities and other vulnerable group in every first quarter of the year.

The Abia State JONAPWD Chairman Comrade. Stanley Onyebuchi ably represented by the Publicity Secretary Mr. Wisdom Okechukwu Kalu expressed happiness and appreciated the Evangelist for remembering PWDs in a time like this, stating that the donated items cost a fortune. He commended her for the kind gesture.

The donated items includes 8 wheelchairs, 25 clutches, 25 white cane, 120 pieces of wrap, 300 tubers of Yam and 120 bags of 10kg rice.

The event which took place on Saturday 6th March, 2021 witnessed the presence of some leaders of disability community in Abuja and the beneficiaries were 175 indigent members of Joint National Association of persons with Disabilities according to their Local Government Areas and clusters representation.

Abia JONAPWD women leader in her vote of thanks hailed the woman of God for putting smile in the faces of persons with disabilities and pray for God’s continuous blessing to her Ministry and charges the government, religious bodies and private sectors to emulate the religious leader.

Some Pictures of The Event

The Chairman, Bade local government area have appointed a lady with physical disabilities, Hajja Bintu Mustapha as supervisory councillor for Lawan Fannami ward of the local government in Yobe state.

By Adeola Badru

No fewer than 5,280 rural women in Oyo State on Thursday received N20,000 cash each to uplift their socio-economic status as part of the Federal Government’s National Social Safety Net Project (NASSP).

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Social Development and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq made the disclosure during the flag-off ceremony at the Western Hall, House of Assembly Complex, Oyo State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The minister who was accompanied by her counterparts including Sunday Dare (Youths and Sports), Senator Tayo Alasoadura (Minister of State for Niger Delta), Director General, National Emergency Management Authority, AVM Muhammadu Alhaji Muhammed (rtd), Chief of Staff to Governor Seyi Makinde, Chief Bisi Ilaka, Oyo State Commissioners Faosat Sanni (Women Affairs and Social Inclusion), Seun Fakorede (Youths and Sports), Chairman Oyo APC, Chief Akin Oke among other dignitaries.

The Minister said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria in partnership with the World Bank designed and developed a safety net for Nigeria under the platform of the National Social Safety Net Project (NASSP).”

“The Conditional Cash Transfer Programme commenced in September 2016 with the aim of responding to deficiencies in capacity and lack of investment in the human capital of poor and vulnerable households. The programme is designed to deliver timely and accessible cash transfer to the beneficiary households.”

“Oyo State has received a total sum of N992,715,000 from the Federal Government Conditional cash transfer programme from inception till date impacting the lives of 14,022 poor and vulnerable households (PVHHs). Your Excellency, 28 local government areas are currently benefiting from the Federal Government CCT programme in Oyo State.”

“I must note at this point that the social register is being expanded to cater for more poor and vulnerable households in Oyo State.”

“The Special Cash Grant for Rural Women programme being flagged off today was introduced in 2020 by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, as part of President Muhammadu Buhari’s social inclusion and poverty reduction agenda, including the realisation of the national aspiration of lifting 100million Nigerians out of poverty in 10years.”

“It is designed to provide a one-off grant to some of the poorest and most vulnerable women in rural Nigeria. A grant of N20,000 will be disbursed to over 150,000 poor rural women across the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory. The grant is expected to increase access to financial capital required for economic activities.”

“A total number of 5,280 beneficiaries are to benefit from the cash grant of N20,000 each to uplift the socio-economic status of the total women in Oyo State.”

“It is our hope that the beneficiaries of this programme will make good use of the opportunity to increase their income, enhance their good security, and contribute towards improving their living standard.” “I am optimistic that with the support and cooperation of Your Excellency and other stakeholders, we can lift 100 million out of poverty by 2030 as envisioned by President Muhammadu Buhari.”

In their separate remarks, Minister of State for Niger Delta, Senator Tayo Alasoadura and his counterpart at the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare lauded the step taken by the Federal Government.

Speaking on behalf of the state government, Chief Ilaka commended the Federal Government for the initiative adding that the state government on her part would remain committed to creating and improving opportunities for people to live meaningfully and fulfill life.

He advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the current women emancipation initiative both globally and locally and to as well involve in governance, seek political positions and take advantage of different policies of government to transform the society.

“I assure the good people of Oyo State of the determination of my administration to utilise all resources within her disposal to ensure that poverty is reduced to the barest minimum in our society.”

“It is germane to mention that our administration will leave no stone unturned in transforming the lives of the vulnerable ones, most especially women and children. We are equally ready to partner with individuals and groups willing to reposition the socio-economic well-being of our citizens, particularly the underprivileged.”

“I want to applaud and appreciate the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management, and Social Development, for contributing it’s quota in making this country a better place for all.”

“The task of eradicating poverty should not be left in the hand of government alone. Let me, therefore, use this opportunity to invite well-meaning individuals in the community and other non-governmental organisations to collaborate with the state in eradicating poverty in our society.”

“Permit me to use this medium to show our profound gratitude, on behalf of the good women of Oyo State to the Federal Government of Nigeria at making life comfortable for them through all the Social Investment Programme initiatives.”

“This is evident in the extension of the Federal Government’s kindness to the voiceless women, down-trodden, poorest of the poor, vulnerable group of people, aged people, widows, people with disabilities and so on, who were provided with packages of COVID-19 palliative materials, consisting food items and other household utilities to cushion the effect of locked-down on the people on the country, Oyo State Inclusion.”

“I am glad to inform you that up till May/June 2020 payment cycle, 13,830 poorest of the poor and vulnerable households had benefitted from the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme, which is also a segment of the Social Investment Programmes (SIPs) of the Federal Government.”

In her remarks, Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Faosat Sanni said “This is the evidence in the extension of the federal government ‘s kindness to the voiceless women, downtrodden, poorest of the poor, vulnerable group of people, aged people, widows, people with disabilities and so on who were provided with packaged of COVID-19 palliative materials consisting of food items and other household utilities to cushion the effect of locked-down on the people in the country, Oyo State inclusive.” The highlight of the event was the presentation of foodstuff, which include, rice, beans, garri, and palm oil to some of the victims of the Shasha fire incidents.

Vanguard News Nigeria

Abuja-based opinion research think-tank, Africa Polling Institute (API), has unveiled plans to partner with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on the collection of data on people living with disabilities (PWD) in Nigeria, under the Nigeria Disability Project.

The plan was made known during a recent courtesy visit by the Institute to the Bureau, Nigeria’s foremost statistical institution, charged with the responsibility of providing comprehensive, timely, relevant, responsive and user-focused statistical information relating to the social and economic lives of Nigerians.

In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP by API Head Corporate Services, Amarachi Nelly Charles said the Nigeria Disability Project is a new development effort led by Africa Polling Institute, which is aimed at gathering evidence-based disaggregated gender and disability data in the country, with support from Ford Foundation.

During the visit, Executive Director of the Institute, Professor Bell Ihua gave a brief introduction of the Institute and its opinion research activities, which have led to the publishing of more than 10 reports in the last two years, since its inception.

He further introduce the Nigeria Disability Project to NBS, and expressly sought the partnership of the institution in the area of working closely to collect national data on gender and disability.

In response, Director, Corporate Planning and Technical Coordination Department of the Bureau and Chair of the meeting, Mr. Simon Harry, thanked the API team for the visit and proposed collaboration, while expressing the Institution’s willingness to partner with API on the disability project.

He said, “NBS as an agency is mandated to produce statistical data for the whole country and is always open to collaborating with the public, private and international development sectors, in order to achieve this mandate”.

Professor Ihua expressed gratitude to the Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Dr. Yemi Kale, for the warm reception accorded the API team. Although he was physically absent from the meeting due to other official assignments, the meeting was very fruitful and productive.

In his words, “we are excited at this opportunity of collaborating with NBS on the Nigeria Disability Project, which is supported by Ford. I believe this would be the first of many collaborations to between both organizations.”

 Africa Polling Institute (API) is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan opinion research think-tank, which conducts opinion polls, surveys, social research and evaluation studies at the intersection of democracy, governance, economic conditions, markets and public life.T

Edo State Deaf Association Excos and JONAPWD chairperson on Wednesday paid a visit to Mr Osazee who was shot by police during ENDSARS protest to present a wheelchair to him donated by Daughter of Charity of St. Vincent De Paul.

The Presentation of the wheelchair was done by the amiable Ann Ojugo, the Chairman of JONAPWD Edo State Chapter.

Osazee Festus is a man with hearing impairment who is a victim of Police Brutality during EndSars protest.

TQM learnt that Edo State Deaf Association reached out to Daughter of Charity for assistance when it became obvious that Osazee can nolonger walk again and UBTH have failed to provide mobility aids to him after his discharged at UBTH.

Graciously, Daughter of Charity donated a wheelchair for him and handed over to Edo JONAPWD Chairperson, Ann Ojugo for presentation.

PICTURES OF THE PRESENTATION

Festus Fajemilo Foundation, FFF has committed to partner with the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, LASODA, towards ending discrimination against persons with Spina Bifida, Hydrocephalus and various forms of disability.

This was revealed during the strategic planning meeting of FFF for the year 2021-2024 with Board members, representative of LASODA, parents and beneficiaries of FFF and members of staff.

While speaking on the need for partnership, Afolabi Fajemilo, Executive Director, FFF explained that “FFF’s approach to achieving collective impact is through harmonizing collective efforts which can be realized through strategic partnership-building and effective stakeholders’ engagement.

“Promoting rights of PWDs and inclusive development across all spheres of life are missions that can’t be achieved by single individuals or organizations.

“FFF therefore realizes the need to mobilize and exchange human, material, financial and technical resources from and with other individuals and organizations respectively who share similar vision and goals,” he added.

Responding, Mr. Oguntoye, Director, Monitoring, Evaluation & Mobilization, LASODA commended FFF and also disclosed that LASODA is willing to work with Disabled Peoples Organizations across the state among which FFF is one.

He also asked for the support of FFF regarding increased awareness and sensitization on disability issues, through which he believes would help LASODA achieve its mandate.

Dr. Adebukola Adebayo, the consultant, explained that all the highlighted strategies can be achieved if FFF work closely with relevant stakeholders to create more awareness on disability issues.

Dr. Adebayo also emphasized the need for expansion to other states across the country.

On his part, Mr. Olujimi Olusola, the chairman, Board of Trustees, FFF noted that the strategic planning meeting was essential and would enable the organization to forge ahead and impact lives in the next couple of years.

The Strategic Planning was supported by Daughters of Charity, St. Vincent De Paul, Nigeria.

TQM report,

One of the foremost disability organization in Nigeria, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) while commending the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Federal Government of Nigeria for the un-relented efforts in combating the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria, called for the prioritization of persons with disabilities in the COVID-19 vaccination.In a press release signed by The Executive Director of CCD, Mr. David Anyaele, he commended the government for taking steps in prioritizing groups that would first take the vaccine even as Mr. President and the Vice President will take theirs on Saturday 6th March 2021.

As laudable as the effort of the federal government on the public vaccination against COVID-19, he is worried that persons with disabilities are missing amongst the prioritizing groups to be vaccinated from this first batch.

He also express concern that the developing protocols for vaccination of Nigerians made no reference to persons with disabilities.“Our worries are premised on the fact that persons with disabilities are more likely susceptible to contact COVID bearing in mind their inability to operate independently in most time hence the need to be given topmost priority in vaccination exercise” he added.

He therefore called on the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the States Task Force on COVID-19 to:
· Prioritize persons with disabilities in the first groups of public vaccination. This is because PWDs in Nigeria are highly discriminated against by State and non-State institutions in particular healthcare service providers.
· Ensure the venues for vaccinations are accessible to persons with disabilities in line with Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018. PWD must not suffer further disability in their efforts to get vaccinated as more than 95% of public infrastructures are not accessible to citizens with disabilities
· All Covid-19 vaccination information, education and communication materials should be accessible to all.Where there is a video material, he requested that such material has a sign language interpreter inserted on the video, and audio advert must ensure that all information are pronounces for the benefit of the deaf and blind citizens, process should be communicated in accessible manner to all persons with disabilities.

“No one should be left behind in the distribution and administration of Covid-19 vaccination by reason of his or her disability” he concluded.

Recall that Federal Government recently through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) successfully procured and received the first batch of COVID-19 vaccine.

TQM report,

The Ogun State Government says it will not relent on its oars in supporting the needy and students with disabilities in the State, as they have their role to play in the development of the State and the entire nation.

The State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu made this known at this year’s International Wheelchairs Day Celebration, at the Daniel Akintonde Model School for Children with Special Needs, Adigbe, Abeokuta, during which the State Government donated over 20 wheelchairs to students with physical disabilities.

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Breaking the Barrier” Prof. Arigbabu said it was a clarion call for all to pay more attention to the expression of the needs of people with disabilities, in order to make them self-reliant and inclusive in the day to day activities of the society.

He described people, especially school children with disabilities as treasure and wonderful gifts from God, positing that they should be supported and nurtured to bring out the hidden abilities they are endowed with.

The Commissioner therefore called on persons and organisations to complement government’s efforts in alleviating poverty and other discriminatory practices that could inhibit the progress of such persons.

“The State government is determined to make life easier and comfortable for children with disabilities. Government, despite economic challenges, has prioritised issues pertaining to the education and general welfare of people with disabilities, through increment in the fund for the feeding of learners with disabilities, resuscitation of Braille book production centre and supply of interactive whiteboards with other gadgets to schools, among others”, Arigbabu said.

In her goodwill message, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mrs. Abosede Ogunleye said the celebration was to raise awareness and lend helping hands to millions of people with disabilities, towards ensuring equal exposition to diverse opportunities, motivate and provide succor which would make life easier for them.

She advocated that wheelchair users needed to be treated with empathy, patience, endurance and due recognition for effective participation and sense of belonging.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities(JONAPWD), Dr. Lekan Mohammed appreciated the Ministry for organising the event, soliciting more support from both the government and philanthropists to make life more comfortable for them.

Speaking on behalf of other parents of the children, Mrs. Temitope Salako and Sherifat Adebiyi commended the State government for the donations and for its laudable initiative in education.