By Chinedu Aroh

The Coalition against COVID-19 (CACOVID) on Tuesday, lauded the Enugu State governor, Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, for his tremendous efforts towards curbing the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

The group representative Mrs Chiaka Mbagwu during a handover and flag-off of the CACOVID palliatives distribution in the state, expressed satisfaction on the steps the Governor has taken so far to ensure that he keeps his people safe from Coronavirus.

Speaking further, she said it is the administration’s commitment towards the curbing the spread of Covid-19 in the state, and the frantic efforts to cushion the economic effect of the pandemic on the people of the state that necessitated their support for the laudable achievements of the governor through donation of food items, such as garri, rice, pasta, noodles, sugar and salt.

Gov Ugwuanyi in his response, was delighted by the gesture which is another round of support from CACOVID.

He said that his administration has been consistent in distribution of various forms of palliatives to persons with disabilities, other vulnerable groups and communities for the past six months to cushion the economic hardships occasioned by the pandemic.

Nnaemeka Nkechi and Odera Oke in separate speeches speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the coalition and Gov Ugwuanyi for the palliatives, which they said would go a long way in assisting them.

You would recall that CACOVID is an organized private sector initiative in partnership with the federal government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other agencies towards curbing Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The event was witnessed the presence of some government officials such as Enugu State deputy governor, Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo; leader of Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon Ikechukwu Ezeugwu; Enugu State chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and chairman of Udenu LGA, Mr Solomon Onah, and his Enugu North LGA counterpart, Mr Emeka Onunze.

By Ariwodola Idowu

Ado Ekiti, Aug. 5, 2020 Gov. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti on Wednesday disclosed that his administration had so far distributed over 60,000 food packs to vulnerable persons to cushion the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fayemi stated this at the flag off of the private sector sponsored Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) food relief programme for Ekiti.

Naija247news reports that CACOVID donated 56,000 packs of pasta, 28,000 packs of rice, 28,000 packs of noodles as well as 28,000 sachet of salt, sugar and cassava flakes to the government’s food bank.

He also announced a new phase of the food palliative exercise, saying government was committed to continually cushioning the effect of the pandemic through food and material support to vulnerable persons.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Abiodun Oyebanji, appreciated the leadership of CACOVID for bringing succor to the people of the state.

He noted that the present administration had been proactive in tackling the effects of the pandemic, adding that the distribution channels to households in the state had been effective.

The governor further said that from the feedback mechanism, the food packs got to the targeted people.

“On behalf of Ekiti state government, I express gratitude to CACOVID for the honour and support to the government and the people.

“ What is happening today in Ekiti State is a testimony to what is possible when the private sector decides to collaborate with public institutions.

” I wish to commend them by this strategic intervention of bringing succor to lots of families in Nigeria, including Ekiti State.

“ As a government, we have been proactive in tackling the effect of the pandemic and lockdown on our people. As at today, the government has distributed over 60,000 food packs to households in the state,” Fayemi said.

He noted that the government also reached out to various unions, associations and people with disabilities.

“ It will interest you to also note that beneficiaries of our interventions are the registered vulnerables compiled by the Ministry of Budget and Planning and supervised by the World Bank.

” The implication is that our intervention is devoid of politics, religious sentiments and primordial consideration.

“So, as long as you are a citizen of Ekiti, irrespective of your political inclination, government is willing to assist you.

”Because COVID-19 does not know anybody, it doesn’t know political party and whether you are Muslim of Christian. As long as you are from this state or you live here, we have intervened,” he said.

The governor assured CACOVID that the items would be judiciously distributed.

Earlier, a representative of CACOVID, Mr Kayode Adejuyigbe, said the effort was part of the collective responsibility in the fight against COVID-19 in Ekiti and Nigeria in general.

Adejuyigbe said CACOVID was a joint initiative of leading private sector operators in Lagos and the Central Bank of Nigeria, launched to galvanise support in the fight against COVID-19.

He noted that the fight for survival had become a necessity which should not be the sole responsibility of the government.

Adejuyigbe disclosed that the coalition, in collaboration with state governments, had commissioned 38 isolation centres in the country.

He said that this was in addition to assisting in improving the testing capacity of NCDC with the donation of over 100,000 test kits at various centres.

NAN reports that top government functionaries at the event included the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Biodun Omoleye and Special Adviser on Development Partnerships, Mrs Margaret.

The Chairman of the Joint National Associations of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) as well as the member representing the Special Citizens in the State Community Policing Advisory Committee, Hon. Bright Uzoma on Monday inaugurated the zonal and LGA Special Citizens’ Coordinators of the Community Policing Committee.

The occasion witnessed the presence of His Royal Majesty, Eze I.G. Okeke, Eze Udo Amaifeke who is also the state chairman of the State Community Policing Advisory Committee and the Chairman of Eze’s council of the state among many other dignitaries who graced the occasion.

His Excellency, Sen. Hope Uzodimma charged all the members to be proactive and diligent in their duties. He further adviced them to search the nooks and crannies of their various LGAs and give relevant information to law enforcement agents on crimes and criminality. The Governor who was ably represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Special Citizens, Chief, Hon. (Dr) Samuelson Onyekwere Emeghibe who also reeled out an avalanche of achievements recorded by the present administration. He opined that His Excellency has PWDs in his priority list and urged them to work in conformity with the laid down rules and regulations of the Committee, and promised them that Governor has a lot of bounties for them. He however thanked the Secretary, Hon. Jude Okparaeke and other leaders of JONAPWD Imo Chapter for bringing out credible men and women of reputation for the job.

Dr Badewa Adejugbe-Williams, an expert in the management of students with diverse physical and neurodevelopment disabilities, has decried the dearth in the educational management of students with various disabilities in the country.

Adejugbe-Williams, who is the founder, Royal School of Education Therapy Foundation (RSETF), an Abuja based school for children with disability like autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, stated this at a news conference, on Tuesday in Abuja.

She said that as part of efforts to address the deficiencies, the foundation had concluded plans to train educators and specialists to deal with variety of students and their needs.

She disclosed that the foundation would partner with the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo to achieve its objective.

Adejugbe-Williams, also revealed that the programme had been approved by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) to offer series of one-year online Special Education Teacher Certificate Courses.

“The Royal School of Educational Therapy Foundation (RSETF) is aware of the skills deficiency in the educational management of the ordinary student across the country.

“This deficiency is greater emphasised when dealing with students with disabilities who require educational specialists to help their learning process, and educational management to help them fulfil their innate potential.

“With the absence of educational specialists, who understand the issues at play when dealing with students with diverse learning styles and abilities, there is the very likelihood that these students would eventually drop out of school, get stalled in their educational progress, be largely ignored, or fall through the gaps.

” RSETF recognises the need to train educators to deal with variety of students and student-needs and therefore partner with the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, with the aim of promoting school effectiveness and improved learning outcomes for all pupils, especially those with diverse physical and neurodevelopment disabilities in Nigeria,” she said.

She explained that the partnership programmes are in Regular Special Education Teacher Certificate, Advanced Special Education Teacher Certificate and International Special Education Teacher Certificate.

“Others are Advanced Special Education Teacher Certificates in partnership with both FCESO and IBCCES.”

NAN

Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) Edo state chapter have solicited the support of Christian Association of NIgeria (CAN) Edo State Chapter in their effort to mobilize support to ensure the enactment of Edo state Disability law.

See the video below for details:

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is calling on destinations to recognize the needs of travelers with disabilities or specific access requirements as they open up to visitors again. In partnership with the ONCE Foundation of Spain and the European Network for Accessible Tourism (ENAT), the United Nations specialized agency has released new guideline to ensure accessibility and inclusivity as the responsible restart of tourism gets underway.

According to the newest data from UNWTO, 40% of global destinations have now eased restrictions on travel introduced in response to COVID0-19. Now, with tourism steadily returning, UNWTO has joined disabled people’s organizations and organizations from across civil society to design a basic set of recommendations aimed at maintaining the ethos of “Accessible Tourism for All” in the new reality.

Accessibility means opportunity

The “Reopening Tourism for Travelers with Disabilities” guide also notes the opportunities available to destinations that take steps to accommodate the specific needs of persons with disabilities, those with specific access requirements and seniors. This is particularly relevant now since tourism has been among the hardest hit of all major economic sectors, with businesses big and small at risk.

UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili said: “Much progress has been made in making tourism more accessible to all. As we guide the responsible restart of tourism, we must make sure that this progress is not rolled back. Instead, it must be stepped up as it will benefit everyone. These Guidelines, produced in collaboration with ONCE Foundation and ENAT show that simple, thoughtful measures can make a real difference for travelers – and in return, allow destinations to welcome this wide and diverse demographic as they look to recover from COVID-19.”

Fundación ONCE Vice-President, Alberto Durán, underlined: “We are making great efforts to help everyone enjoy travel and tourism. It is fundamental that we use this time of change to sensitize all stakeholders to the need to include persons with disabilities and their families in tourism, leaving no one behind. These clients can help businesses stay afloat in these challenging times, representing opportunities for all.

ENAT President, Anna Grazia Laura stated: “These practical guidelines for curbing the spread of COVID-19, with due regard for accessibility and inclusion within tourism, can contribute to global efforts to reassure all visitors, benefitting tourists, businesses and destinations alike.

Guidelines for whole of the sector
The Guidelines are a set of basic recommendations addressed at different stakeholders working across the whole of the tourism value chain. All are aimed at helping stakeholders, including accommodation providers, bars, restaurants and tourism offices, adjust to new health and sanitary demands without reducing accessibility. The recommendations cover four distinct areas:

The full set of recommendations, “Reopening Tourism for Travelers with Disabilities: How to Provide Safety Without Imposing Unnecessary Obstacles” can be downloaded here.

Travel Planning and Protocols: Including steps to guarantee seamless travel, and for making relevant information available and accessible to all

Transportation: Including the importance of upskilling employees, adjusting protocols for passengers with disabilities/access requirements at airports and stations, as well as the provision and hygienic upkeep of mobility equipment

Accommodation, Bars and Restaurants: Focusing on accessibility to cater for different needs of clients, guaranteeing social distancing, and enhanced hygiene procedures in all tourism-related establishments

Tourist Activities: Including recommendations to help destinations and attractions adapt existing protocols by taking into account accessibility issues related to queuing, health and safety measures, and new venue capacities

Fundación ONCE Vice-President, Alberto Durán, said: “We are making great efforts to help everyone enjoy travel and tourism. It is fundamental that we use this time of change to sensitize all stakeholders to the need to include persons with disabilities and their families in tourism, leaving no one behind. These clients can help businesses stay afloat in these challenging times, representing opportunities for all.

ENAT President, Anna Grazia Laura stated: “These practical guidelines for curbing the spread of COVID-19, with due regard for accessibility and inclusion within tourism, can contribute to global efforts to reassure all visitors, benefitting tourists, businesses and destinations alike.

Yutex Entertainment on Saturday organized the first online covert CELEBRITIES PLUS VIRTUAL CONCERT, a concert designed to promote inclusive entertainment and inspire PWDs to Stardom.
The concert though it is on zoom, it created an avenue for talented upcoming artistes to rise to stardom and get empowered by showcasing various artistic and creative skills to the entire world alongside other celebrities.

Hafiz Oyetoro popularly known as SAKA, renowned nollywood actor was the host at the event. In his opening speech , he said that anybody can entertain, your looks, body structure and so on can not stop one from entertaining. Speaking further, he said that PWDs have potentials, all they need opportunity and that’s why he identify with the project to inspire them to greatness.

Grace Alexander in her goodwill message at the show hailed Saka for identifying with the project, she appreciated Raheem Olatunji the CEO of Yutex Entertainment for contributing immensely in changing the narrative, promoting inclusion. She informed that she is a proud mother of person with disability because her last son have a disability. She said that her son change her thinking about disability. According to her, PWDs are the most productive group in the world.

Prof Abiola Awosika while giving a message of hope to the Yutex Entertainment said that PWD group is so dear to her. She request that over 27million PWDs in Nigeria should be taken should serious because the number is about the size of the Lagos. She urged PWDs to purse the dreams because there is no limit to what they can achieve.

The event saw the performance of celebrities and some talented PWDs, some of them were Gifted Mouth, Icon of hope, Eaglez Voice, Mary Wilson and many others.

By Abdul-Azeez Ibrahim, Sokoto correspondent

The persons with disabilities in Sokoto state have extended gratitude to Governor Aminu Tambuwal for his sallah gifts to them.

It was gathered that the governor through the offices of the state social welfare gave the 5 cluster chairmen a ram each and a cow each to the 5 clusters. He also donated One hundred thousand naira (N100,000) each to the 23 local government areas.

He promised the disability community in Sokoto state appointment of Special Adviser to the governor on disability matters.

The persons with disabilities in the state were elated by his gesture because according to them, it is the first time they are receiving such gifts from government.

Street Project Foundation (SPF) on Saturday 1st August, 2020 organized a graduation ceremony for the March/April set of Creative Youth Boot Camp.

The graduation ceremony which held on zoom and streamed live on Street Project Foundation Facebook page saw the display of skills from some of these amazing graduating young people.

The project titled Creative Youth Boot Camp is powered by Voice Nigeria and it is designed to harness and sharpen the talents of young people including those with disabilities for them to have a sense of direction and plug their talents/creativity towards the pathway of earning a living with them.

The founder, SPF, Rita Ezenwa-Okoro expressed joy at the rate of success the project is already recording. She highlighted the successful outing the rightsholders recorded at an international event “Brave New Voices”. She recalled how the training program was affected by the COVID-19 lockdown, and as such resorted to online trainings and the revolutionary use of WhatsApp for learning, which was a new experience and eventually exceeded all expectations. She said that it was five months of intensive learning, grooming and coaching but finally, they were able to run their first virtual/online graduation ceremony and showcase of Creative Youth Boot Camp.

Speaking further, she informed us that the participants are talented in all fields of creativity; Writing, Poetry, Spoken Word, Visual Arts, Comedy, Dance, Music, Fashion, Drama etc and in each of the fields, SPF was fortunate to have engaged professionals that matched these talents. SPF was able to inculcate the requisite skills that the participants require to make a sustainable living doing what they love.

Remarkably, she said that engaging persons with disabilities exposed them and all the participants to a lot of learning because they had to learn sign language which was a great experience and good addition to the amazing skills, they all acquired.

She urged the participants to make the utmost use of the skills they acquired and they should also know that there is no limit to what they can aspire to through their talents/creativity.

The Qualitative Magazine was a part of the ceremony through Executive Director, Agbo Chris, he was excited with what SPF has done with the Creative Youth Boot Camp and in his words, “SPF are amazing and they have made me to have a rethink about the young people especially those with disabilities and has restored my hope for a better Nigeria”. It was a wow moment for him when he found out that one of the writers of The Qualitative Magazine Uzoamaka Asiegbu is one of the graduates and the President of the March/April Cohort of the Creative Youth Bootcamp.

We are saying congratulations to all the graduates especially those with disabilities.