The COVID-19 pandemic has affected societies and individuals across the different socio-economic divide, with many people losing their source of livelihood.

In a bid to alleviate the ordeals of people with low economic power and a majority of Nigerians living below the poverty line, corporate organizations and individuals are taking responsibility by catering for the needs of the underprivileged, and working to reduce the negative impact of the pandemic on majority of the population.

In line with the need to help those gravely affected by the pandemic, the VS Management & Consulting (VSMC) is embarking on a campaign to provide relief materials to 200 families of widows and persons with disabilities in Lagos state, Nigeria. This group of Nigerians find themselves in the category of people with an urgent need for palliatives during this hard time, and it is vital to help as many as possible.

VSMC recognizes that many people are looking for ways to make individual impact during this period, and will be adopting the crowdfunding approach thus making use of funds from well-meaning Nigerians to implement this project. The campaign is expected to improve the plight of widows and people with disabilities, and also give them a message of hope, care and love from Nigerians.

If you want to help provide relief for 200 families of widows and people with disabilities in Nigeria, please make a donation to them.

Source: Topnaija

ByOLONIRUHA EMMANUEL

The Rotary Club of Abuja Cosmopolitan district 9125,  has distributed palliative items to some persons with disabilities at the Karamajiji Disabled Colony, along Airport Road, Abuja Municipal Area Council, FCT.

The items were donated as part of efforts to cushion the effect of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which had been ravaging the world since its outbreak.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the donated items include tubers of yam, loaves of bread, cartons of sachets Milo and milk as well as sugar.

While presenting  the items, the out-going President of the club, Ms Chinwe Ogbuka, said that the Rotary Club, as a humanitarian organisation, offered the gesture to support the people who were one of the less privileged groups in the society.

Ogbuka said that the Karamajiji Disabled Colony was one of the adopted communities the club had been supporting in the past two years.

She noted that the initial plan for this year was for the rotarians to have breakfast with the people, but that the COVID-19 pandemic stopped the plan.

“We decided that come what may, we have to execute our project in compliance with the circumstances that we find ourselves, which required social distancing. That is why we have come to present what we have to them.

“Fortunately, it also coincided with this year Salah celebration. We say let us use this opportunity to put smiles on the people’s faces,” she said.

Ogbuka explained that the whole idea was to make the people feel at home and have sense of belonging as well as make them realise that some people cared about them.

Also speaking, the incoming President of the club, Mrs Violet Obioma urged persons with disabilities to keep their environment clean, especially during the COVID-19 period.

Obioma also advised them to always wash their hands with water and soap, visit the hospital whenever they or their children are feeling sick, as well report any suspected case of COVID-19 to the hospital or appropriate authorities.

She urged them to put their trust in God and serve Him with all their hearts saying, “God is the ultimate.”

The club Ground Patron, Mr Agbo Williams said the gesture was one of the ways the club assisted the less privileged, who struggled to meet their daily needs.

Williams noted that due to the social distancing order by the NCDC, occasioned by the COVID-19, the rotarians in their usual practice, would have loved to socialise and share love with the disabled persons, to make them feel loved.

“We are only privileged to have our two legs and two hands, not because we are too special before God but nature made us to be this way.

“That is one of the reasons I am happy to come and associate with them because we are all one,” he said.

Williams advised the disabled people not to be discouraged because of their conditions but always be grateful and prayerful to God Almighty.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Dantani, the Secretary to the Chief of People with Disability in FCT, commended the club for the gesture and for coming to share love with them.

Dantani said that the period of COVID-19 has been challenging for people with disabilities.

Dantani, who commended Nigerians and the government for coming to their aide, however, urged them to do more, in assisting persons with disabilities.

“We want people and government do more, in terms of providing food for us.

“If possible, let us be placed on a small monthly allowance by the government, so that our people can use that to take care of their families.

“We are all family people. We have about 429 families here in the community  with disabilities, and we also have our brothers and sisters without disabilities numbering over 5,000 people,” he said.

The Africa Union (AU) Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), an organ of the African Union has appointed a person living with disability (PWD) into one of it’s four sub – committees as part of its Nigeria COVID -19 Response Team.

The inauguration is in line with the AU declaration on COVID -19 which charged all its organs and agencies to support government at all levels in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Lois Auta, a physically challenged person and a frontline PWD representative, was appointed into the AU Resources and Contacts Mobilization Committee (RCMC).

The RCMC Committee, which has Mr Samuel Babatunde and Engr. Chris Anonre as Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively is expected to explore all avenue to mobilize financial, material, technical and human resources.

Other members of the Committee include Mrs Lois Auta-Udonkanta. Secretary, Mrs Susan Lokpobiri and Hon. Moses O.T.

Inaugurating the committees during the week at the AU – ECOSOCC Conference Room, WAEC Building, Maitama, Abuja, the Country Representative, Dr. Tunji Asaolu said the committees is expected to design the organ’s efforts to support government at all levels in Nigeria in the fight against COVID -19.

He said the AU-ECOSOCC was pleased with the declaration made by AU as it was in line with its Statutes in Article 3 section 1 which “requests ECOSOCC to promote continuous dialogue between all segments of the Africa people on issues concern the continent and its future”

Speaking on the inauguration of the Committees, Asaolu said, “what we are doing today is to put our weight and do the talk and of course, the way to implement the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 Outbreak in Africa.

“To achieve these, we must climax on our strategic agenda by engaging a pool of experts from various professions in their chosen fields to drive the AU-ECOSOCC Nigeria Response to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

The Country Representative promised that AU – ECOSOCC is ready “to assist and complements government’s efforts to further curtail COVID-19 pandemic as well to come out with suitable policy or frameworks that will further help the government to revive its economy”

The organ, he said, will also look into a strategy and best approach that will lead to a permanent solution to COVID-19.

“The Committees will be responsible to mobilize resources (Cash and Kind) from philanthropist, relevant stakeholders, local and international organizations to support the activities of Federal Government of Nigeria on COVID-19 as well as objective of AU-ECOSOCC”, he said.

Under the AU-ECOSOCC COVID-19 Response Team members were group into four (4) Sub-Committees, each committee is headed by a Chairman and Deputy Chairman.

The four Sub-Committees include the Resources and Contacts Mobilization Committee; Inter-Governmental Affairs Committee, Data Gathering & Mobilization Committee and Advocacy & Campaign Committee.

By Chris Agbo, Abuja

Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC) with support from Voice Nigeria on 19th to 21st May, 2020 in Abuja organized a Three Day Training for Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and Women with Disabilities (WWDs) on their SRH and Advocacy to enable them push for the implementation of National Policy on SRHR of PWDs with emphasis on Women and Girls.

The Executive Director of DRAC, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu in her opening remark said that the training is aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge of SRHR and advocacy skills that will make them strong advocates for the implementation of National Policy on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights of Persons with Disabilities with emphasis on women and girls.

Speaking further, she said that even at the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown, the issues of SRHR are still coming up; there are still complaints from women with disabilities for not being able to access healthcare services. She urged the participants to pay attention and make adequate use of knowledge the facilitators will be impacting because it key to achieving a society where women and girls with disabilities will have the kind of attention they need in accessing SRH information and services.

The training was fully packed with interesting and impactful topics like Introduction of SRH of persons with disabilities and Disability Rights, Provisions on the National Policy on SRHR of PWDs, Issues around Implementation of the policy, Analyzing Policies (Policy analysis, Power mapping and Identifying opportunities and barriers), Drafting advocacy messages(Stakeholder Analysis, Development of advocacy message), Planning an Advocacy Campaign( Steps, Defining and Developing goals and objectives), Lobbying, Identifying advocacy activities and Introduction to COVID-19 (how it affect persons with disabilities).

The training was facilitated by two experts on Lobbying and Advocacy and it was interactive and participatory as participants were involved in group works and role plays to drive home the points. For example, the participants interestingly role played lobbying and also building partnerships with other stakeholders to form a coalition for advocacy. Through role playing participants practiced how to carry out advocacy activities to duty bearers, highlighting key messages and steps for effective advocacy.

The event also launched the SRHR Toll free 24 hours Call Centre (08000-3000-100) by the Executive Director, DRAC. The initiative is to provide opportunity for PWDs especially women and girls to make their complaints on violation of their rights, report violence, ask questions and get information about their SRHR at no cost. The ED made commitment that the organization will provide assistant to those who need help.

Some Pictures of the Event

Amadi Onyinye Nkes is a physically challenged Photographer and the founder ONYINYE HOPE FOUNDATION aka ( HOPE DEY ).

Through the foundation, he has put smiles on the faces of many persons with disabilities and other less privileged persons like orphans and widows in Rivers state and other states within the south south region.

For some weeks now, the foundation has embarked on door to door relief materials(food items) distribution to these vulnerable persons.

The distribution is ongoing as Mr. Amadi revealed to Qualitative Magazine that the foundation is not going to stop once there are less privileged persons dying of hunger in Rivers State and the neighbouring states.

The gesture is to cushion the effect of lockdown occasioned by the fight to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The founder in a chat with Qualitative Magazine said that as a person with disability, he understands how the lockdown affected persons with disabilities. Speaking further, he said that persons with disabilities no doubt are the group suffering more at this time. He called on the support of well meaning individuals to enable the foundation feed more persons because the hardship occasioned by the lockdown is biting hard on them.

He concluded by saying that what ever you do today to support the less privileged, will surely speak for you tomorrow . Extend your hands of generosity to them now.

PICTURES OF THE DISTRIBUTION EXERCISE

Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq has said that all hands must be on deck to assist the vulnerable population to navigate the crisis occassioned by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Minister who spoke at the flag off of the distribution of Palliatives to orphanage homes at Gwagwalada in FCT, Abuja said the Covid-19 situation has presented an unprecedented humanitarian, economic and health crisis.

She was represented at the event by the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs to the Minister, Alhaji Musa Bungudu.

According to her, “the point has been made that in times of crisis, the vulnerable members of our community are often the most impacted. When l speaks of the vulnerable l speak of our elderly, people living with disability, women with children, young children and those separated by circumstances from their families and loved ones.”

Farouq recalled that similar visit was paid to the cluster of People Living with Disability at Karamajiji and also visited were the elderly at Karshi the previous weeks.

She, however, commended the management of the homes taking care of the helpless children who have, through no fault of theirs, been denied the warmth of home.

“As Africans we know that it takes a village to raise a child, so by joining you today, we are forming a village of the concerned who are coming together in solidarity to show love and support to a key segment of our vulnerable population.

“Part of my remit as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development is to provide humanitarian interventions that brings relief to our citizens both at home and abroad.

“It is in recognition of that mandate that we are here today even though the welfare of orphanages rests with and is a core mandate of the Ministry of Women Affairs,” she said.

She added that 25 orphanage homes in FCT which will be impacted by the intervention were identified through consultations with homes, NGOs and CSOs, adding that 5 of those present at the event were, Anawim Homes (poorest of the poor), Gwagwalada, Al-Ansar Home, Kuje, St Mary’s Home for Orphans, Gwagwalada, Shining Star Orphanage Lugbe, Good Sheperd Orphanage Kwali and Halal Children Home Lugbe.

She said that these homes and orphanages will receive 500 bags of rice and other food items adding that such gesture will be extended to other orphanage homes across the nation.

Besides, the Minister commended the management of these homes as well as the NGOs and CSOs who continue to provide support and guidance in providing humanitarian aid to the vulnerable population at this critical time.

Earlier, the General Coordinator Anawim Home (Poorest of the Poor), Gwagwalada, Rev. Sister Oresoa Agatha Selo-Ojeme, expressed profound gratitude to the minister whom she referred to as “Mama Farouq” for her kind gesture and also commended the effort of the Buhari-led administration in ensuring that the poor and the vulnerable are not left out in the society.

by Chris Agbo

Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC) on Thursday introduced a 24-hour Toll free Call Center for rapid response to the complaints from persons with disabilities in the area of inability of access to SRHR services in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of the organization, Dr. Irene Ojiugo Patrick-Ogbogu disclosed this while making her closing remark in a three-day training of Organization of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and WOMEN ORGANIZATIONS ON ADVOCACY FOR DISABILITY INCLUSIVE SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS SERVICES organised by DRAC and supported by Voice.

In her remarks, she said that the toll free response center become necessary at this time based on the health challenges facing persons with disabilities as a result of COVID-19 lockdown.

‘’During this COVID-19 lockdown, we received many complaints from persons with disabilities, especially women and girls ranging from violence against them, health complications, and inability to access medication and personal hygiene materials, due to lockdown and because the medical facilities have been overstretched due to the pandemic. Knowing the challenges that some of them may be facing trying to reach out for help because many of them had to get through to the organization through a third party’’.

To make it a lot easier for PWDs, DRAC decided to introduce a toll-free line to enable any persons with disabilities who need help or have some questions or clarifications on SRHR to reach out with no cost.

She urged persons with disabilities to make use of this opportunity as she promised that the complaints will be highly confidential, and privacy of users will be completely respected. She also promised to continue upgrading the system to accommodate all forms of disabilities.

‘The toll-free number is completely free for any caller, while the SMS channel is being developed for the convenience of the deaf, the whatsapp channel is available for immediate response to any SRHR queries.’’
The Response Center Toll-free number is 08000-3000-100 and the Whatsapp channel is 08000-3000-10

Call for free or send message via Whatsapp, our team will be on standby to respond to you promptly and through our allies and contacts, we will find a way to attend to your complaints, She concluded.