By Editor
The Edo Disability Forum (EDF), has appealed to the state government to include them in the N1 billion palliative fund, to be shared for the vulnerable in the state.
The Executive Director, Network for the Advancement of People With Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) and convener Edo Disability Forum (EDF), Melody Omosah, made the appeal while briefing journalists on the outcome of their visits to state ministries.
He alleged that he heard that the church body in the state will be the one to decide how the money will be disbursed.
Omosah argued that how will the church know those that are Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
He however appealed to the state government to fathom how the EDF will be included in the disbursement.
While speaking on the outcome of their visit to the various ministries in the state, he called on the state government to stand by its promises to the PWDs as they are the worst hit by the subsidy removal by the federal government noting that they have been systematically sidelined vis-a-vis the free bus system of the state government.
Omosah said that such agitations fired their desire to have visited the ministries noting that they are however happy with the promises made but the government has to step up its game by matching words with actions.
“As you are aware, on the 8th of February 2024, we convened to address the severe impact of fuel subsidy removal on Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria, particularly here in Edo State.
“We highlighted the disproportionate burden this policy change has placed on our community, exacerbating financial strain, social exclusion, and health challenges.
“Between the 8th of February 2024 and today, the health of the nation’s economy has further declined from a state where it elicited the concern of well-meaning Nigerians, to a critical point where the government is anxious over its survival.
“As we know, the removal of fuel subsidy is not only responsible for this state of affairs, the “dollarization” of our economy, brought about by the floating of the naira against the dollar, has further impoverished Nigerians with PWDs being worst impacted by these policies.
“Measures taken thus far by the federal government to arrest the meltdown of the economy, have not yet yielded the desired result.
“While staying optimistic that our economy will someday bounce back and that succour will come to Nigerians sooner than later, the Edo Disability Forum (EDF) has been engaging the highest echelon of Edo State government, to recommend immediate and sustainable measures that should be put in place to ameliorate the plights of PWDs and guarantee their survival in the aftermath of the subsidy removal.
“I am pleased to report that the State Government and the MDAs we have interacted with, have been very hospitable.
“Our engagements were met with open minds and hearts, and the representatives of these agencies have expressed their commitment to addressing the needs of PWDs in our state.
“They have welcomed our recommendations and have pledged to take the necessary actions to implement them. I should be quick to add that all we really have at this stage are pledges and commitments”, Omosah added.