The Nation Newspaper

Tag: disabled

  • Why we protested, by disabled persons

    The Chairman, National Association of Persons Living With Disabilities(JONAPWD)in Ondo State, Olurotimi Olubodede, has said his members protested during the  International Day for Persons with Disabilities because of alleged “government marginalization”.

    The physically challenged persons reportedly destabilised the event organised by the government to mark the celebration in Akure, the state capital.

    The development was said to have forced the Chief of Staff(CoS), Kola Ademujimi, who represented Governor Olusegun Mimiko, to leave the event unceremoniously.

    The protesters decried the manner the government has been allegedly discriminating against them.

    They said they have not benefitted anything from the administration since its inception in 2009.

  • Rotary’s 1000 limbs for the disabled

    Rotary’s 1000 limbs for the disabled

    The President, Rotary Club of Victoria Garden City (VGC), Lagos State, Dr. Christopher Anyakorah, has sought the support of well-meaning Nigerians for the less-privileged.

    He made the call during his inauguration at the Le Real Hotel, Ajah, assuring that the club would give 1000 artificial limbs to disabled persons across the country.

    Anyakorah said the club was making its little contributions towards enhancing the wellbeing of the less-privileged in the society.

    He maintained that it is the tradition of Rotary Club to improve the lot of the people within its areas of operation, stressing that it had impacted positively in the lives of residents of VGC and Ajah through several projects.

    He explained that the donation of artificial limbs to disabled across the country was informed by the need to look beyond Ajah for such people, explaining: “There is will be no tribal, educational or social barrier. We just want to extend our kind heart to fellow human beings who have been constrained by their inability to freely move about and fulfil God’s purposes in their lives.”

    The Rotarian said that one of his major assignments when he took over the mantle to lead the club was a visit to the Arrow of God Orphanage, where bags of food items, toiletries, clothes and learning materials were donated.

    He said the club paid its electricity bill of N250,000 and promised to support the home in other areas of urgent needs.

    “I want to use this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians, particularly those who have more than enough to eat, to remember these people who can barely afford basic needs for survival. We were actively involved in educating VGC residents about the dreaded Ebola Virus; we are also considering the establishment of a vocational school in Lekki Peninsula; this will include a residential, multi-faceted volunteer-based institution to handle mechanics, tailoring, cooking and carpentry,” he said.

    Anyakorah assured that the club would continue to cater for the educational needs of the schools it has adopted, stressing that his administration would supply free drugs to hospitals and clinics in the interest of Nigerians who cannot afford costs of medical treatments.

  • Disabled persons demand their rights

    Nigerians living with disability have called on the government and their able bodied compatriots to readdress the way disabled persons are being treated in the country.

    Speaking through the Executive Director, Centre for Citizens with Disability (CCD), Mr. David Anyaele, they said that the government has a role to play in the lives of disabled persons who are often neglected, threatened and afflicted.

    He spoke during the Disability Awareness week. The annual programme tagged: “Insecurity in Nigeria and the Plight of Persons with Disabilities” was held recently at the Chevron Recreation Centre, Gbagada, Lagos.

    Mr Anyaele who lost his two hands to the rebel warlords in the Sierra Leonean civil war of the 90s said the programme was borne out of the on-going Boko Haram insurgency in northern Nigeria and the military response it.

    He expressed CCD’s concern at the seeming invisibility surrounding issues affecting citizens with disabilities in the areas where the insurgency is at its highest with bombs exploding almost on a daily basis leading to the disability of those who survived the blasts.

    According to him: “When disability occurs, it could lead to loss of self esteem, loss of financial earnings, exposure to abuse, harmful practices, stigma and discrimination.”

    He therefore appealed to the National Assembly to speedily harmonize the Disability Bill so as to reduce the pains and agony of living for those concerned.  “This is why CCD, a nonprofit organization for people with disabilities is working to promote independent living, educate, sensitize, show human rights and social inclusion, counsel, mobilise support and empower people with disabilities”.

    Mr Anyaele said the objective of CCD is to increase public knowledge of an inclusive society that is free from discrimination and exclusion on the grounds of disability and to enhance understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well being of all living with disabilities and their families.

    “The government and federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development should not to be silent on the issue of bomb blasts causing disabilities to the victims or soldiers who have suffered disability in responding to insurgency but, rather make effort in having data and provision for them,” he said.

    The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development Hajia Zainab Maina who was represented by a deputy Director in the ministry Mrs. J.A. Mohammed said the improvement of security in the country lies on the citizens and government. “People with disability should create awareness among themselves in support of the government.

    “The present administration realizes that the security of all persons in this country requires the contribution and efforts of both government and the citizens. Government has adopted lots of measures to achieve peace and adequate security, in this regard persons with disabilities, specialized Agencies and Organisation like the CCD which appear to be the most effective vehicles for meeting the needs of this vulnerable group must come forward and set up actions to assist government by providing necessary information on ways of fighting insecurity in the country.

    “You are aware that the issue of insecurity is assuming a new and frightening dimension; persons with disabilities and female members of our society are now being used to carry out nefarious activities. I strongly implore persons with disabilities to scale up their advocacy drive by creating awareness among their members on the issue of insecurity in the country”. She said.

    Speaking on the barrier faced by people living with disability, one of the resource persons Mrs. Jan Knight lamented that disabled persons suffer different kinds of bad reaction from people and that the environment they find themselves is not welcoming due to discrimination, lack of information, communication, employment and justice.

    She urged the society to treat such people with equal right, help those of them in need. Interact and create relationship with them.

    The guest speaker at the occasion, deputy Country Director, Mac Arthur Foundation Mr. Dayo Olaide, who was represented by Election Development Consultant Mr. Jide Ojo said everyone is disabled in as much as they are having one problem or the other, noting that disability increases daily in the country with an estimated 22 million persons, representing 10 per cent of Nigeria’s population living with disability.

    Speaking on the issue of discrimination which occurs among family and relatives, Olaide said: “Disability is mostly, a social construct where individuals with disabilities have been socially classified as outsiders throughout history. According to the 2013 State of Human Rights in Nigeria report, persons with disabilities faced social stigma, exploitation and discrimination, and relatives often regarded them as source of shame. Many families viewed children with disabilities who could not contribute to family income as liabilities and sometimes severely abused and neglected them. Many indigent with disabilities begged on the streets”.

     

  • I am not in a hurry to be healed, declares disabled artist

    While most Nigerians in his situation would rather line the streets seeking alms from their well spirited compatriots, Patrick Uwezeh a 35-year-old physically-challenged man has his mind focused on a career that would allow him add value to society.

    Struck down by polio early in life when he was just 23 months old which left his arms and legs paralysed, Patrick has risen to the challenge and gave meaning to the saying that ‘disability is not inability’ as he has firmly established himself as a fine artist of repute in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

    With a clientele that boasts of who is who as well as the less prominent in the society in Oyo State, Patrick has carved a niche for himself painting portraits of both the mighty and the low in his small ’gallery’ tucked somewhere at the newly commissioned Cocoa Mall in Dugbe area of the ancient city.

    But getting to this level has not been easy as Uwezeh readily admitted during a short conversation with The Nation. According to him, it was a long road to success during which he saw the highest mountains and the lowest valleys. In this interview, he talks about his life and how he once left home and spent six years on a mountain following what he claimed was a call from God.

    Excerpts:

    Background

    I  am from Okilato town in Uka local government of  Enugu State. I was born into the Onyeke family in Amogodu and my father’s name is Chief Nwezeh Onyeke. I was bred in Okilato where I had my primary and secondary education. I left the town and went to study Fine Art at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, after which I left for Lagos and lived at Balogun Street. I worked in Lagos briefly at Broke Street/Marina, in 2005 before I heard a call.

    What call?

    I am a servant of God. God led me to a mountain where I stayed alone for six years. The mountain is on Adekuja Road, Orile- Ilugun. It is called Ori-Oke-Irapada. Nobody knew my where about for six years, including my siblings, my friends and my mother. The reason why I didn’t allow anyone to know my where about was that after I got there I found the Lord’s presence around me and didn’t want any distraction from anybody.

    All through the time I was staying there I was discovering myself and many miracles happened. I later left there to work for a while, but before I left the mountain, I called one of my brothers, who hadn’t talked to me for years. He was surprised to hear my voice and quickly sent for me in Abuja, where I also worked for a while. I later moved from Abuja to Ibadan.

    Childhood days

    My childhood was very challenging, because of my physical disability, though it made me stronger and to work harder. Shortly after I was born, I was hit by polio, when I was one year and eleven months. It led to total paralysis of both arms, legs and some other parts of my body. I couldn’t sit upright, my mother was the one helping me. Much prayers and medications helped to revive my neck, arms, and left leg, which led me to using of crutches.

    Efforts so far

    My God is a God that works with time. Even in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3 verse 1 it was stated “to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”. There is time for everything and I believe God will heal me at His own time. God even said, “His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts”. I am not in a hurry to be healed by Him. I want Him to take His own time.

    When I was in secondary school, I had a friend that walked up to me and told me to follow him to his church in Lagos called Synagogue Church, where he believed that the man of God will heal me and I will walk again. But, what I knew then was that the Lord is taking His time to heal me. So I rejected his offer.

    My first priority in life is to make heaven, because I had told God that if having a complete upright figure will make me sin and not enter heaven, then he should leave me the way I am, but He should make me a vessel of honour.

    Road to Fine Arts

    Let me say this, Fine Arts is inside my blood. My mother had been my source of inspiration; she’s a teacher but draws wonderful pictures of many things, which I learned from her. So, during my primary and secondary school days, people had known me and my works.

    With this work, I can say I am fulfilled but not totally fulfilled yet, because I have greater plans ahead. Because, I wish to have an Art Gallery where people will be visiting and I want to use my drawings to preach God’s words to people. I have different customers which include the Group Managing Director of Odu’a Investment Company, Dr Adebayo Jimoh, Chairman of Top Services Limited, Chief Tokunbo Omisore, Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi and a host of others.

    Advice to people living

    with disabilities

    My advice to people like me is that they should look for opportunities and never give up. Also people who are endowed should help physically-challenged people and never see them as abnormal.

    Sharing his thoughts with The Nation, Emmanuel Oni, a client of Uwezeh, said that the crippled artist was a shining example for others in his condition, some of whom have lost hope and resorted to begging.

    He described the artist as hardworking and customer friendly. He added: ”People in Patrick’s (Uwezeh) condition should not be hopeless they can learn vocational skills instead of taking to begging as the only way out.

  • Experts make case for the physically challenged

    Experts make case for the physically challenged

    An expert in Special Education in the Department of Education University of Ibadan Prof. Abiola Ademokoya has said that special consideration should be given to disadvantaged individuals in the society, even as he advocated fair treatment for those with disabilities.

    He spoke at a seminar organised by Hope and Life for Disabled Persons Foundation in Lagos. The seminar was in commemoration of the United Nations Organisation World Disability Day.

    Speaking on the theme “Break Barriers, Open Doors, Create an Inclusive Society,” Prof. Ademokoya said an inclusive society is such that has zero-tolerance for discrimination against persons with disability; even as he disclosed that it translates to a society that provides equal opportunities both for its able-bodied and disabled people.

    He said Nigeria is a segregated society whose constitution creates no special opportunity for the physically-challenged.

    “Nigeria is a class-conscious and class-segregated society. The Nigerian constitution begins with ‘we the people’. This assumes that all citizens, with or without reference to abilities or disabilities, shall enjoy equal rights and privileges enshrined in the same constitution.

    “Likewise, the Nigerian National Policy on Education 2008 stated that Nigeria, through education, shall create an egalitarian society where everyone shall enjoy equal opportunities, disabilities notwithstanding. These are statements that have failed woefully to translate into realities,” he said.

    Continuing, he said Nigerian traditional religions and cultures have extant hostility towards the disabled; intolerance for birth or rearing children with disabilities, indifference to socialisation with or marrying persons with disabilities and hatred for working with or for persons with disabilities.

    Ademokoya further noted that the education system in Nigeria is “characterised by separatist tendencies which recognises special schools and general schools, poor funding for special schools, low social status for special education and special education teachers.

    “The information programmes and facilities are planned and provided for normal persons with little or no considerations for persons with disabilities. There is lack of interpreters for persons with hearing impairment in many social, religious and public functions, even as there is lack of brail newspaper or public information outlets for Nigerians with visual impairment and restricted mobility and block access to public building.”

    Proffering solution to the ugly situation, Prof. Ademokoya opined that for the country to be equitable and just to the disabled people, government must sincerely evolve policies and programmes that are disabled-friendly. She should also show more commitment in the implementation of every promise made for the well-being of people with disabilities.

    He added that the disabled people should also stand up for their rights, even as he said able-bodied individuals should whole heartedly support the less-privileged persons.

    In a chat with South-West Report, President of the foundation Mr. Biodun Elugbajo advocated for creation of a ministry that would cater for persons with disabilities.

    “If that bill (Persons with Disability Bill) is passed into law, the disabled people would have certain rights they would enjoy. Such rights, he said, include right to employment, right to quality education and right to well-being.

    “We deserve very special rights. Above all, government alone cannot cater for the needs of the disabled people. Majority of us are from poor homes but there is glory in us. That is why Hope Foundation is trying to bring out that great potential in us.”

    Pastor Solomon Odemona, President Education Reformers’ Association of Nigeria (RAN); a body that comprises educators who revamp the degenerating system of education said: “In an inclusive education, we are not doing fine because of the pronounced segregation on the disabled persons.

    “Having an inclusive education within a formal school may not be too possible because naturally children will segregate against them. What we can do is to ensure that we create a special school for them. We must do that with a sense of responsibility; knowing that it wasn’t their fault and that they are not, in any way, second-rated.

    “It is very unfortunate that in Nigeria today, we are so conscious of money. No proprietors or investors would want to put his or her money in a special school. Maybe the only option is for government to intervene. Individuals need to be enlightened so that they can also see the values inherent in making them feel a sense of belonging. We don’t have enough. Looking at the number of disabled people in the society, we really do not have many schools to accommodate them.”

  • Disabled persons support Ubah

    National President of persons with disability Chief Cosmas Ikechukwu Okoli yesterday reiterated that his over -100,000 members have no regret endorsing the Labour Party candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah.

    Okoli, who is the national president, Association for Comprehensive Empowerment of Nigerians with Disability (ASCEND) earlier announced Dr Ubah as its candidate at a function in Awka.

    Okoli said: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of people with disability in Nigeria, as we take the first decisive step in the politics of Nigeria , with the endorsement of Dr Ubah.

    “We opened our doors to all aspirants to engage us, but except Ubah, no other aspirant responded. Ubah informed us of his plan to reach out and empower our members even before the election.”

    He said each member would attract at least two votes for Ubah, adding that solving the problems of people with disability would reduce joblessness among its members.

     

  • ‘Discriminate against the disabled, face the law’

    Persons or organisations that discriminate against people with disability will henceforth face the law, the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), has warned.

    The General Manager of the establishment, Dr Awelenje Babatunde, said the law establishing the agency gives it powers to investigate and prosecute such acts of discrimination.

    He spoke at a three-day sign language workshop for primary healthcare workers in Lagos, with the theme: “An all-inclusive communication policy for persons with disability.”

    “We’re going to enforce the existing law. LASODA was established to enforce the Lagos State Special Peoples’ Law, which was enacted in 2011. The law is to safeguard the people living with disability against all forms of discrimination and equalise their opportunity, just like their able-bodied counterparts.

    “This office has prosecutorial powers over acts of discrimination. If a person with disability is discriminated against, the office has a right to investigate, and if possible, prosecute; then appropriate sanctions will be taken, as well as redress in court,” Babatunde said.

    He added that persons with disabilities seek equality, saying: “What the people with disability need is just a level-playing field. This was demonstrated in the last Paralympic where persons with disability did Nigeria proud.”

    According to him, the training was aimed at teaching the health workers the rudiments of communication with hearing-impaired persons who they meet in the course of their field work.

    “It’s more or less like teaching them the A-B-C-D of sign language. Subsequently we’ll expand on that. We’re also planning to incorporate sign language into the academic curriculum.

    “This is the second of such training. Last December, we organised a corporate stakeholder forum involving persons with disability, their families and those who care for them. It was more or less an interactive session. The feedback we received led to this workshop,” Babatunde said.

    He said despite challenges of setting up and running such office, the response had been positive.

    “The governing board of the LASODA was inaugurated on July 9 last year. Being a new office, there have been some logistic challenges, but we are rapidly gaining momentum now. The state government deserves commendation. The office is even the first of its kind in West Africa,” Babatunde said.

    The Chairman, LASODA Governing Board, Mrs Tolu Animashaun, said: “Very soon, there will be public enlightenment campaigns. We are going to work hand-in-hand with the state registration agency (LASRA), which is designing a portal for disability. There will be some designated centres.

    “People will input information about their disabilities and challenges. That will help us reach them. That is in the pipeline. Don’t judge anybody based on his disability. Nobody chooses to become disabled. Maybe people discriminate out of ignorance. We have a lot of wrong ideas owing to lack of knowledge.”

  • Disabled employee gets car, wheel-chair

    After many years of hopelessness, succour has come the way of a 44-year-old physically challenged worker of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, Mrs. Mercy Omogbayi.

    She is now a proud owner of an automated wheel-chair, a Mitsubishi car and the sum of N250, 000. They were donated to her by Omo-Ilu Foundation, a non-governmental organisation established by businessman cum politician, Chief Buruji Kashamu.

    At the presentation, Kashamu, who was represented by his Media Assistant, Mr. Augustine Oniyokor, said his boss was touched by the plight of the woman during a recent encounter.

    “This gesture was borne out of the vision of Omo-Ilu Foundation to help the needy and empower people in the society, irrespective of ethnic or political leanings. My boss had an encounter with the beneficiary a few weeks ago and had promised to assist her with mobility aids. He, however, felt that giving her a car would complement other mobility gadgets.

    Amid tears of joy, Mrs. Omogbaiyi, thanked Kashamu for the gesture, saying: “I am short of words because I was not expecting a car and money. During our encounter, I told him that I needed a wheel chair and it was a big surprise that he added a car and money to give me comfort.

    “I have been a paraplegic since birth. I came to work this morning as usual not knowing that a bountiful package was waiting for me. I pray that God will continue to bless him and his children.”

  • UNDP laments disabled rate

    UNDP laments disabled rate

    The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) yesterday said 15 percent of the world’s population are disabled.

    The UNDP Democratic Governance for Development Project Coordinator, Dr Mourtada Deme, said this at the International Day of Persons with Disability celebration.

    He said there is need to eliminate discrimination and create an inclusive and accessible society for them.

    Deme said since the 1970s, there has been increasing international concern about the need to advance the rights of persons with disabilities.

    “To strengthen and monitor the protection of the human rights of persons with disabilities, the United Nations passed the convention on the rights of persons with disabilities in order to protect their rights,”he said

    The Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, said the aim of celebration is to improve the lot of the disabled.

    “We need to rally support from all to ensure that the needs of persons with disabilities in Nigeria are met,” she said.

     

  • Group builds special school for disabled

    THE Kpakpando Foundation has laid the foundation stone for a special tuition- free school for disabled persons in Imo State.

    The ceremony, which was performed by the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, according to the President of the Foundation, Senator Osita Izunasor, marked a new era in the effort to give hope to the physically challenged people in the state.

    He said that the foundation took up the initiative, following the challenges and discrimination suffered by those living with disabilities in conventional schools.

    Izunasor, who announced that the disabled students will be on full scholarship to university level, said that the school will be ready to take off by next academic session.

    In his speech shortly after the foundation laying ceremony, an elated Okorocha, challenged those in authority to assist the less privillaged in the society, noting that anyone seeking the people’s mandate should impact their lives positively through service and philanthropy.

    He advised Imo electorate to henceforth demand a clean record of achievements of any politician seeking their mandate for elective positions before casting their votes for such a candidate.

    Former Senate president, Ken Nnamani, who witnessed the ceremony among other eminent Nigerians, including the Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, urged Okorocha and other well-meaning individuals to see that the school becomes a reality.

    The executive Secretary of the foundation, Prince Ezennia Denton Ogbuehi, in an address earlier, said ‘it is our vision that with the establishment of our special school for physically challenged persons, 10,000 physically challenged persons would have received above standard education with requisite skills acquisition by the year 2022.