David O. Anyaele, the Executive Director,Centre for Citizens with disabilities (CCD) has appealed to Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu not to leave Abians with disabilities behind in the distribution of relief materials to less privileged residence of the State.

In a statement titled An appeal to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State signed by him on Tuesday, he reminded the governor that Persons with disabilities are the worst affected as a result of the lockdown occasioned by Covid-19 pandemic.

As the government of Abia State plans to distribute bags of rice, beans, garri, tubers of yam as well as sanitizers and face masks to less privileged residence of the State starting from today.

He said that the appeal is very important at this time as Abia State has a history of discrimination, exclusion, srtigmatization and isolation of Abians with disabilities in democratic governance.

He said that the situation of Abians with disabilities has been so bad because it might interest the public to note that the former Abia State Governor denied assent to Abia State disability bill, an indirect endorsement of harmful practices against more than 600,000 Abians with disabilities.

For the passed 3 years no Abian with sight impairment has been sent to Nigeria Farm Craft Centre for the Blind for rehabilitation by the State Government. Whereas, other States are taking their slots by sending their blind citizens to the centre for rehabilitation.

Governor Ikpeazu stated that the strategy is to distribute the relief items which include groups and association but silent on organizations of persons with disabilities. He said that it has been the pattern of exclusion and isolation of Abians with disabilities in democratic governance in Abia State since its foundation.

He promised that his organization, Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) would monitor the extent of access and inclusion of Abians with disabilities in the distribution of these relief materials and their findings would be documented and disseminate to local and international organisations working on democratic governance, international development co-operation, human rights and disability issues with the view of attracting policy attention to the long neglected issue of the rights of persons with disabilities.

By Wisdom Acka

Disbursement of the much awaited palliatives by the FCT Administration will commence this week, probably on Tuesday. Federal Capital Territory Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has said.

Aliyu made this disclosure today, Monday while inspecting storage facilities at the NYSC Orientation Camp, Kubwa, Bwari Area Council.

However, she maintained that the palliative materials would only be given to the vulnerable residents and persons with disabilities in rural communities of the FCT as part of measures to cushion the adverse effects of the presidential sit-at-home order.

The minister further clarified: “The real poor and vulnerable ones that are desirous and anyone that comes up with a proof and sincerely believe that his family is desirous of this palliative. These are the people these palliatives are targeted at.

“We have identified capable hands that will do that for us across the structures because we have seen how chaotic it has been in other parts of the country,

“Honestly, if not for the producers that are coming from far places Honestlylike Kano and beyond, we could have commenced on Monday, but between Tuesday and Thursday, we are good to go. It will not go beyond this week.

“To me, it is not about rushing to do something but to do it well and effective service delivery should be upper most. The aim is how it will get to the grassroots, especially to the vulnerable and persons with disabilities in the society without hitches.”

Revealing that security measures, including establishment of a police post in the area, have been put in place to safeguard the palliative materials, she also disclosed that the FCT Administration has identified five large stores and five hostels at the Camp to serve as storage facility and isolation centre respectively, adding that, equally five trucks of palliative materials were been expected to arrive Tuesday.

According to her: “The NYSC camp is closed and corps members are at home. We have many facilities like hostels, halls and worship centres. We have secured five large halls for storage of palliative materials to be distributed across the territory.

“We are here also to inspect other facilities in case, God forbid, we have other cases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have secured five big halls as one of the isolation centres that can accommodate 200 patients in case of any eventualities. Toilets facilities and adequate water supply will be ready soon.”

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.

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By Chris Agbo

Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities (JONAPWD) Iwo LG Chapter with the support of Community Social Development Project (CSDP) Osun State has completed a skill acquisition centre for persons with disabilities in the Local Government.

The project executed through a collaboration between JONAPWD Iwo LG and CSDP, JONAPWD Iwo LG contribute 5% while CSDP supported them with the rest 95%.

The project costed up to an estimated amount of #10,000,000. JONAPWD Iwo brought #500,000 and CSDP provided the rest to ensure the completion. of the building.

As the building is completed, CSDP is expected to still equipped the centre with skills acquistion equipment before the centre will be commissoned for use.

Some Views of the Building

Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, (YOSEMA) on Sunday distributed relief materials such as food items to persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Damaturu, the state capital of Yobe state.

It was part of support from Gov. Mai Mala Buni administration to bring succor to PWDs as the stay at home directive continues in the state, which PWDs are in full compliance of the order. The directive is part of COVID-19 Pandemic preventive measures in the state.

PWDs who are among poorest of the poor and their mainstay of life is petty trading and street begging in some cases, are usually first hit and worse hit during the time of emergency like this.

Damaturu as the Yobe state capital and is one of the high risk COVID-19 LGAs in the state as categorised by health experts, hence the first LGA to benefit from the door to door support to PWDs.

The distribution exercise led by the Executive Secretary of SEMA, Dr. Mohammed Goje with over 150 persons with disabilities benefited from the gesture across Nayi-Nawa, Pompomari, Gwange, Fulatari, Ganye-Uku, Bindigari-Pawari, Tsohon Kasuwa, Sabon Pegi and Ajari wards of Damaturu LGA.

Dr. Goje noted that the palliative support will go along way in minimizing begging in social gatherings and crowded places to avoid risk of contracting the Coronavirus.

Comrade Mohammed Abba Isa, the leader of Persons Living With Disabilities of Northeast All Progressives Congress (APC) while commending the gesture on behalf of the PWDs in the state said that PWDs in state would always remain grateful to Governor Buni, and also, they will heed the call made by the Governor, and will equally use this opportunity to pray for the overall success of Yobe state government, under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Items distributed to the beneficiaries include: rice, cooking oil, maize, tin of tomato, salt, and beans.

By Chris Agbo

Following the lockdown in Imo State which is part of the measures aimed at curbing the spread of the deadly Coronavirus, the vulnerable groups in the state are at the verge of dying in their numbers.

In a press statement titled COVID-19 PANDEMIC: LOCKDOWN AND ITS CATASTROPHIC EFFECTS ON THE VULNERABLE GROUP IN IMO STATE signed by Hon.Bright Uzoma, the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with disabilities ((JONAPWD)Imo state. He said that Persons living with disabilities constitutes over 90% of the vulnerable groups in the state therefore, he appealed to the government, cooperate bodies, public spirited individuals and the general public to come to their aid as the situation is becoming increasingly unbearable for their members scattered across the 27 LGAs in the state.

He called for prompt and proper implementation of policies and programmes aimed at inclusiveness and general well-being of persons living with disabilities.

The group has already concluded a well designed arrangement that will ensure equitable distribution of relief materials, medications or cash to their members in the 305 wards in the state.

The group is therefore making passionate appeal to government, corporate bodies and well meaning Nigerians to come to their aid. It has become necessary because majority of them are starving at verge of death since these past few days, some can no longer get access to their medications, etc.

If you have any assistance for the group, Please you can assist in form of relief materials like food items, medications etc or donation to be made to: Account Name: JOINT NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES, IMO STATE.
Account Number: 6220049516
Bank Name: Fidelity Bank plc

They can be reached via these phone numbers: 08038670542 or 09072477122

The Joint National Association of Persons With Disabilities (JONAPWD) Lagos State chapter, has expressed dismay over the exclusion of persons with disabilities in process of COVID-19 intervention programme by Lagos and federal government.

Chairman of the association Dr. Adebukola Adebayo while speaking with journalists in Lagos said persons with disabilities feel the heat of the pandemic like every other persons and as such deserve the intervention of the government at all level because of the peculiarities of their vulnerability especially at a time like this.

He expressed worries about government insensitive going by the way and manner public information enlightenment on COVID-19 has been designed, produced and disseminated because they totally excluded and excommunicated persons with disabilities.

He also said that the state government did not provide strategy and procedures to ensure that persons with disabilities benefit from the disbursements of food packages announced by Governor of the state Babajide Sanwo-olu.

By Chris Agbo

COVID-19 is ravaging the whole world including NIgeria and in Nigeria Government both Federal and State have adopted safe at home order to curb the spread. This order comes with a lot of consequences which one of them is inability of the masses to continue their economic activities. Government have to cushion the effect of this if the stay at home order would be effective.

It is based on this that Yobe State Governor His Excellency Mai Mala Buni approved the distribution of relief materials to persons with disabilities.

In a press statement signed by Comr Mohammed Abba Isa APC Zonal Disable Leader ,Northeast Nigeria. He said that the governor acted in line with global best practices and in fulfilment of Presidential order on humanitarian services.

You would recalled that last week after the presidential media broadcast, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni the executive governor Yobe state issued a public order restricting movement across the state aimed at curtailing the dreaded deadly Virus Covid-19 despite non reported case in the state.

In compliance to that order, persons with disabilities despite the economic burden on them strictly adhered to the order and remained home.

In accordance with this, the Yobe state government have instructed the constituted authorities to begin on Sunday 5th of April distributing relief materials to identified households of persons with disabilities across the state.

Also in compliance to social distancing principle and to reduce mobility challenges to some categories of persons with disabilities the packages will be individually delivered to the door steps of the beneficiaries.

By this notice, the Disability leader encouraged persons with disabilities across Yobe state to remained calm as government is currently doing everything humanly possible to reduce the effect of this menace on persons with disabilities.

A coalition of Organization of Persons with disabilities (OPDs) under the auspices Coalition of Persons with disabilities Groups Against Persons with disabilities Marginalisation have demanded their inclusion in Government Palliatives ongoing due to the lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Group have called on government to implement the NIgeria Disability Rights act which mandates government to care and protect PWDs in time of emergencies. See below their full statement released on Saturday 4th of April, 2020.

COVID-19: Persons With Disabilities in Nigeria demands their inclusion in Government Palliatives Nationwide.

We, the Coalition of Persons with Disabilities Groups Against Persons with Disabilities Marginalisation are demanding that The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 should present a clearcut plan on how to provide palliatives for persons with disabilities at this time and they should start immediately because persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable among other social groups at a time like this in line with the UN Treaty that Nigeria is a signatory to that mandates in its Article 4, titled General Obligation, especially, in section 4.3 that: “In the development and implementation of legislation and policies to implement the present Convention, and in other decision-making processes concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, States Parties shall closely consult with and actively involve persons with disabilities, including children with disabilities, through their representative organisations”

Whilst thanking the PTF on COVID-19 for accepting the donation of Sign Language Interpreters by Sightsavers International, We call on the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajia Saddiya Farouk who has surreptitiously left out over 25million PWDs in the palliatives of government coming through her ministry in clear negation of the Nigerian Disabilities Rights Law signed in January 2019 which states in part that:

1. The Act prohibits all forms of discrimination against persons with disability. The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has clearly discriminated against us. The law imposes a fine of one million naira on corporate bodies. PTF on COVID-19 should be fined.
2. The rights and privileges of persons with disability include education, health care, priority in accommodation and emergencies – COVID-19 is a global emergency.
3. All public organisations are to reserve at least five per cent of employment opportunities for these persons. PTF on COVID-19 is not exempt.

Part 5, Article 25 of Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act 2018 clearly states that: “In all situations of risk, violence, emergencies and the occurrences of natural disasters, the government shall take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and protection of persons with disabilities taking cognizance of their vulnerability”. This has not been done at all.

We demand that the Honorable Minister includes PWDs immediately in her CCT program and no cash payments please as we have traceable addresses, phone numbers, bank accounts and BVN or we order our members to come out enmasse and disrupt the ongoing CCT exercise anywhere. We will defy all government orders and our bloods are ready to be spilt if the government so decides.

You would recall that this Government signed Disability bill into law which provides that at a time like this, PWDs should be first priority, we are surprised that the government is not implementing the same law they enacted and demand that government rise up to their responsibility especially for over 25 million PWDs amongst whom, many of them can’t see, can’t walk, can’t hear, can’t sit or dress themselves up.

We are demanding that government works in accordance with the law of the land as contained in the NIgeria Disability Rights Act.

We call on Mr. President to start implementing the Disability law he enacted.

This is the time to know that signing of Disability law is not political as the opposition has always insinuated.

Finally, we resolve to defy all government orders to stay at home and risk our lives to disrupt the daily Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Briefing next Monday 6th April 2020. Same shall be carried out at State and Ward levels in states that have no plans for PWDs. Afterall what is life worth living in a terrible nation as ours? Everyone must die someday.

Thank you.

Signed.

Dr. Chike Okogwu.
Interim Convener.

Lady Kemi Ogunjinrin.

Muhammad Bulkachawa

Christian Agbo

Lynda Katai Dung

Isaac Nosa Ehigiator

Ayuba Burki Gufwan

Vivian Odimegwu

Patience Ogolo-Dickson

Biodun Olugbade

Mohammed Bello Suleiman

Comrade Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi

By Abayomi Adeshida – Abuja

An America-based Non-profit group, Equal Rights for Persons with Disabilities International, has urged the Federal Government to leverage on the foundation laid by the Obasanjo administration thirteen years ago to protect over thirty million Nigerians with disability from deadly diseases including the ravaging COVID-19 that is currently increasing in Nigeria.

In a widely circulated statement that was signed by it’s President, Chief Eric Ufom, it implored the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the UN document signed by the Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo to provide adequate protection from the current COVID-19 as well as other diseases that might affect them due to the problems of climate change in Nigeria.

“So far, there has not been adequate provision for protecting Nigerians living with disabilities and being vulnerable people, they would become helpless if the virus should infect them.

“President Muhammadu Buhari should, therefore, direct the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation., Mr. Boss Mustapher to work with the UN document that Nigeria endorsed thirteen years ago.

“That treaty of the United Nations provides adequate protection for the over one billion living with disabilities around the world if domesticated and implemented by countries that endorsed the vital document.

“Similarly, the document is capable of providing coverage for the over thirty-one million Nigerians who have been identified to currently live with one form of disability or the other in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria”,”Chief Ufom submitted.

While giving some details of the UN Treaty, he said, on December 13, 2006, the United Nations member state adopted the Human Rights Treaty of the 21st Century, called, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and mandated that; “The Convention follows decades of work by the United Nations to change attitudes and approaches to persons with disabilities.

“It takes to a new height the movement from viewing persons with disabilities as “objects”  of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing persons with disabilities as “subjects” with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society.”