The Nation Newspaper

Tag: physically challenged

  • Physically-challenged protest in Rivers

    People with disability marched on the headquarters of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) yesterday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to protest alleged disregard by the commission.

    The protesters, under the aegis of the Niger Delta Coalition of Persons with Disabilities, said they had been sidelined.

    They caused a gridlock on Aba Road as they blocked both sides of the road.

    The protesters requested to see NDDC’s Managing Director Bassey Dan- Abia.

    They rejected N200,000 offered to them as fare by an official of NDDC and insisted on seeing Dan-Abia.

    The coalition’s President, David Thank-God Enogho, lamented that over the years no disabled person had benefited from NDDC.

    “Most of us are graduates. In the past, we have sought audience with the NDDC, but have always been turned down.

    “We are picketing and we don’t mind staying here for one week, until our demands are met.”

    Their persistence paid off, as Dan-Abia came to address them. He promised to meet with them in two weeks and offered them N1 million for refreshment and fare.

  • Lagos council chiefs empower physically-challenged, artisans

    Lagos council chiefs empower physically-challenged, artisans

    For Medinat Azeez, a physically challenged mother, it was all smile Thursday last week when her name was mentioned as a beneficiary of a hair dryer and an electricity generating set at the community empower programme organised by Conference 57, the umbrella body of chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.

    The event which held at Teslim Balogun stadium saw scores of physically challenged persons, artisans and youth going home with empowerment tools that would help them start up their own business.

    Azeez, a hairdresser, who was assisted to the venue by her 18year old daughter, told The Nation that it meant a life changing experience for her and family.

    The visibly excited mother said she had depended solely on sporting activities before now to cater for the needs of her family adding that with the latest development the family can now have additional income that would help improve their status.

    Also Kazeem Waheed, another physically challenged person, a tailor who received tools for tailoring alongside a generator to power his shop described the gesture as very noble.

    He commended the chairmen for considering the physically challenged in their programme saying that it will go a long way to change their situation.

    Lagos State Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Otunba Henry Ajomale who presented the tools to the beneficiaries said the problem of corruption in Nigeria will be a thing of the past when the party wrest power from the Peoples Democracy (PDP) in the 2015 general elections.

    Ajomale said the APC has decided to tackle the menace of corruption in the country and focus on three cardinal areas like; Women Development; Youth Development and Care for the disabled.

    According to him:”The issue of corruption must be eliminated by an APC government when the party gets into power. This is very important and key to our programmes when it comes to elections in 2015. When the APC takes over government from the PDP, these are the programmes that form part of our manifesto that would be tackled first.”

    Harping on the empowerment programme Ajomale said “we are distributing this because we want the average Nigerian to live comfortably. Every Nigerian is a stakeholder in government and we must see to it that everyone gets a chance to develop.

    “I want to specially thank the chairmen for this gesture. The equipment that they are giving you is for you to start up (your business). It’s a complete set with generator. If there was electricity, there would be no need for generators, but the federal government has failed to give us power.  I want to encourage all the beneficiaries of this laudable gesture to use these items effectively to better your lives and your future.”

    He warned people against selling the empowerment tools, urging them to use them to generate more income.

    In his address at the event, Chairman of the Conference 57 chairmen, Hon. Sulaimon Akeem  noted that poverty seems to have become a natural phenomenon in the country, adding that  it has persisted even though successive governments in Nigeria have made efforts to alleviate it.

    He said the conference embarked on the exercise due to the success of the first exercise which he said was carried out in August, 2014.

    According to him, the empowerment which saw residents of the state carting home items like sewing machines, battery charging machines, vulcanizing machines, generator sets, dryers, refrigerators and food stuffs, among others was the second phase.

    He said, “We followed up the materials given to those that benefited from it (the first phase), they actually used it for the purpose the items were meant for as seen in the development of their business that have brought about economic improvement.”

    Akeem noted that the program was in fulfillment of one of the promises made to alleviate poverty in Lagos and country.

    “You will agree with me, that sourcing for skilled labour from lesser developed countries around the world  shows that given the right support,  our people will help to develop human capital base , skills, resources and materials that can help to kick start small and medium scale business for the overall development of our society”, he said.

  • New dawn for Delta’s physically challenged

    New dawn for Delta’s physically challenged

    The hall was packed full .It was a sea of yellow shirts and baseball caps as physically challenged persons stormed Asaba-the Delta State Capital in their numbers from the twenty-five local government areas.

    .Many came unaided, but some were brought in while others came with crutches, wheel chairs. They were all excited, expectant and hopeful of a better tomorrow.

    It was on the occasion of the disbursement of N18.4 million by the Delta State Government to physically challenged persons in the State in furtherance of government’s Human Capital Development agenda.

    A total of 249 physically challenged persons benefited from the financial empowerment with 119 persons receiving N100, 000 each, while130 persons received N50,000 each.

    The ceremony titled: “Teaching men how to fish”, put together by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and office of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on physically challenged, aimed at training and empowering the physically challenged for economic self-reliance.

    Commerce and Industry Commissioner, Mr Kingsley Emu, who represented the Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, reiterated the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of the people who were physically challenged, adding that they were also covered by the Human Capital Development Agenda in the state.

    The Governor noted that the essence of the programme was to ensure that unemployment was reduced in the state describing them as being very beautifully made by God.

    He enjoined them to make the best use of whatever sum they were empowered with, to enhance their skills as well as justify the interest of government in them by the investment.

    He said that efforts would be made to ensure fair and equitable disbursement so as to enable all the beneficiaries get their dues in the scheme.

    Also speaking, a resource person who addressed the physically challenged at the event, Mr David Anyaele, urged them to look beyond their physical appearance, noting that “there is ability in disabilities”.

    He charged them to be transparent in whatever business they are doing or want to venture into as that was they only sure way to success.

    Anyaele commended the Delta State government for its support for the physically challenged which he said would help to discover their potentials as well as encourage them to bolster their economic fortune.

    On her part, the Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on the physically challenged, Ms Omasan Buwa, said the financial assistance was to boost their skills and enhance possible expiration of their businesses, having acquired skills.

    She therefore urged them to justify government’s effort by being committed to their businesses.

    Also in attendance was the Economic Adviser to the Delta State Governor, Mr Afam Obiago.

  • Group donates to the physically-challenged

    Latter Day Saints Charity International, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated mobility aid materials to persons living with disability in Anambra State.

    The group, which is an arm of United Staes of America-based Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in partnership with Soroptomist International, Awka chapter, donated 20 wheelchairs, 20 elbow clutches and 20 armpits clutches to members of the Association for Comprehensive Empowerment of Nigerians with Disability (ASCEND).

    Distributing the materials to the people, the President of ASCEND, Chief Cosmas Okoli said the wheelchairs were specially designed to conform to the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline on appropriate provision in less resource setting.

    He further explained that the wheelchairs have features that would make the beneficiaries easily fitted and convenient, adding that they were designed to be used even in difficult terrains.

    Chief Okoli, who said the event coincided with their launch of an empowerment fund to assist their members, thanked the donors for their benevolence.

    The President of Soroptomist International, Awka chapter, Mrs Patricia Mmaduabom, said they decided to partner ASCEND for welfare purposes, adding that in addition to their various support services, they presented a cheque for N100,000 to ASCEND to assist them in their activities.

    Hope Ngwube, a member of the association, expressed joy that succour came the way of some of them, even as he asked other bodies to emulate the example shown to them by the two groups.

     

  • Confab: Physically challenged want movement aids

    The Centre for Citizens with Disabilities, a non-governmental organisation, on Thursday urged Federal Government to provide devices that would aid movement of delegates with physical challenges at the National Conference.

    The Executive Director of the centre, Mr David Anyaele, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    Anyaele said that the government should provide lift and ramp and other devices that would enable the physically challenged to move freely at the conference.

    He said that without the facilities, such delegates might be marginalised as they might not be able to compete with able-bodied delegates in getting their opinions captured.

    “Delegates with disabilities at the conference are very small with little or no voice.’’

    He claimed that there had not been a legal framework to protect citizens with physical challenges against discrimination, neglect and harmful practices.

    “Sections 15 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution, even as amended, is silent on discrimination on the grounds of disability; this conference provides a platform to address this human rights abuse.

    “We demand a stop to all forms of discrimination and harmful practices against disabled persons.

    “We call on delegates from the civil society groups to take adequate steps to ensure the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

    “We also call on the Office of the Secretary to Government of the Federal to take appropriate measures to create equal opportunities for all at the conference, “ he said.

    Anyaele urged the Senate to expedite action on the passage of the Nigerian Disability Bill to reduce discrimination, exclusion and isolation of Nigerians with physical challenges.

    He noted that the House of Representatives had passed the bill into law, and that the bill was awaiting passage by the Senate and harmonisation by the two chambers.

  • Ubah provides aid for the physically-challenged

    Ubah provides aid for the physically-challenged

    The Chairman of Capital Oil and Gas, Mr. Ifeanyi Ubah has presented  no fewer than 800 mobility aids to physically challenged persons in Anambra State .

    The aids were presented at the Finotel Hotels in Awka under the aegis of the Association for Comprehensive Empowerment of Nigerians with Disability (ASCEND).

    The aids that included 50 American-built customised tricycles, wheelchairs, guide chains, Braille wristwatches, computers for the blind, telephones for the deaf and other assorted aids.

    The candidate of the Labour Party during the November 16, governorship election in Anambra promised them the items a few weeks ago.

    Making the presentation to the the physically challenged with his campaign team, Ubah said he shared their challenges and pains.

    He said the gesture would be a continuous project in order to improve their lives, those of their families and to strive to enthrone people-oriented government with human feelings in the state whenever opportunity presents itself.

    Ubah maintained that the materials were just the phase two of the programme, adding that he had passion for the less- privileged, the physically-challenged inclusive, especially any time he saw them happy.

    The national president of the group, Dr Cosmos Okoli described Ubah as the friend of the down-trodden, real masses in the society, needy and the neglected.

    He lamented other challenges facing them including employment discrimination even for qualified members, inaccessibility of the society, lack of accessibility to public and private buildings, mobility restrictions, and societal discriminations.

  • 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.”

  • NGO fetes 3,500 physically challenged

    No fewer than 3,500 less-privileged children in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have been showered with love by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Care Peoples Foundation (CPF).

    CPF gathered the vulnerable beneficiaries from 63 orphanages and physically-challenged homes for a dinner at Kilometre 15, Ibadan-Lagos Expressway, Ibadan.

    The programme, which started around 11:30am, was attended by children from Total Parental Guardian Home, Lagelu Special School, IMG Primary School, New Dawn Home, Heart and Soul School for the Handicapped and Achievers Home. Other Homes whose children benefitted from the largesse include the Jesus Kids Home for the Disabled, Nigeria Association for the Blind, Ogbomosho Methodist Primary Special School, Aperin Oniyere Commercial School, Nigeria Red Cross, Family Vocation and the Ibadan School for the Physically-Challenged.

    The programme was kicked off with a march past by various homes, each with a banner to identify them, to the laud applause of guests.

    Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, Rev Paul Tioluwani, said that the carnival was to extend the love and care of the season to the needy and dejected in the society.

    He added that the home has been in the forefront in fighting for better life for the less privileged and masses of the society.

    “Recent record showed that the population of disabled persons alone, not to talk of the less-privileged has reached a whopping 19 million mark. This shows that they are becoming too many to be ignored.

    “Today we hope to put a smile on the faces of our friends with disability by way of entertainment, scholarships, free gift and distribution of wheel chairs and also to commission a block of classrooms,” Tioluwani said.

    He added: “This special children are the precious stones in which God wants to use to rebuild the ruins of our country, thus, they need our care and love to lead a better life”.

    The cleric further noted that the foundation has passion for securing better life for the down-trodden in the society, stressing that it would continue to promote skill acquisition among disabled in other to discourage beggar’s mentality.

    He called on well-meaning Nigerians to support the foundation in its bid to give the less-privileged better life.

    The chairman of the occasion, who is a police officer from Canada, Mr Ojo Tewogbade, commended the founder of the foundation for his vision and support for the down-trodden in the society. He urged the public not to discriminate against the less-privileged but to show them love.

    Also, the Special Guest, Dr Abib Olamitoye described Rev Tioluwani as a humble spirited man who accommodates all and sundry in spite of their different personality traits.

    Part of the items that were won after a lucky dip by the homes include a television set, fan, sewing machines, iron and DVD players among others.

    One of the beneficiaries of the lucky dip , Adigun Kudirat, who won a sewing machine said: “I am very happy for this show of love to the less-privileged by the foundation which should be emulated by all so that together, we can make the world a better place, most especially for our children”.

     

  • Stakeholders seek inclusion of physically challenged

    Stakeholders in disaster management have called for the inclusion of physically challenged in disaster plan of Lagos State.

    They made the call at a forum held to commemorate this year’s world disaster day, stating that the physically challenged people were the most vulnerable during disaster and that efforts must be made to ensure that they were giving special attention during disasters.

    General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, appealed to residents to always assist people with physically challenged during emergency situation.

    He said the theme of this year’s celebration is: Living with disability and disasters, saying that the theme was chosen to alert people to the vulnerability of disabled people during disasters and also to reiterate that their disability is not inability.

    According to him,  it was necessary to pay special attention to people with disability considering that they were highly vulnerable during emergency cases.

    “When a disaster strike, the struggles of the disabled are amplified both during the disaster and aftermath” he said, adding that a quick assistance from the public would go a long way to reduce the impact of the disaster.

    “For instance, people with mobility may need assistance leaving a building without elevator. Individual who are blind or who have limited vision may no longer be able to independently use traditional orientation and navigation method. Likewise an individual who is deaf may be trapped somewhere unable to communicate with anyone because the only communication device relies on voice,” he stated.

    Assistant Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Prisca Okoh, said physically challenged people in the society were very important, saying that during rescue operation, they should be given top priority.

    Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Lagos State Fire Service, Mr Sunday Adelaja, called on government to eneact a law for escape route for disabled in every buildings in Lagos, saying that such plans should be inculcated in the town planning law.

    He explained that the state emergency preparedness response plan will be updated and validated to make sure that procedure be put in place to ensure that people with disabilities can evaluate the physical area in various conditions and with or without assistance in consonance with political thrust of the governor.

  • ‘I don’t believe in building other people’s empires forever’

    ‘I don’t believe in building other people’s empires forever’

    Children and the youths obviously are the pillars of every society. It is, therefore, important to catch them young, provide for their needs as well as build a solid foundation upon which they can build upon later in life. A number of people have been helping to mould the lives of the younger generation and one of such people is Tosin Allen.

    In a chat with Morakinyo Abodunrin, Tosin Allen talks about her passion for orphans, physically challenged and vulnerable children in the society. Networking with other individuals, organisations and donor agencies her organisation, Audrey Allen Foundation, looks for ways to access opportunities, grants and outright investments in scholarship as well as funding and provision of facilities needed for better. learning and sound education.

    I know you are involved in charity and humanitarian works, tell us about your foundation?

    I’m most delighted to introduce to you the Audrey Allen Foundation for Children. The Audrey Allen Foundation, AAF, is an NGO with affiliation with about 25 partner NGOs that are only into child-related issues such as polio, HIV and AIDS, child prostitution, child abuse; both sexual and domestic, child trafficking, autism, Down Syndrome, leukemia, heart diseases, and a host of others.

    As a mother of NGOs, Audrey Allen Foundation (AAF) is saddled with the burden of sourcing for funds for our partner NGOs for the actualisation of projects as the foundation has identified paucity of funds and other resources as a limiting factor towards the effective implementation of projects.

    What strategy do you make use of to have a difference?

    The core mandate of the Audrey Allen Foundation is using entertainment – movies, music, comedy shows, print media publications and other special events – to raise funds and other resources for our affiliated NGOs who are gravely faced with serious scarcity of funds in the execution of their projects.

    Who are the trustees of the foundation?

    Our trustees include Mr. Samson Siasia (former Super Eagles coach), Adeola Agoro, Aanu Michael (presenter Good Morning Africa), Mr.Chike Okogwu (SUREP member), Bukola Ayanwuyi, Taofeek Babayeju and my humble self. We also have goodwill ambassadors in the persons of Messrs Brian Okwara (Mr.Nigeria 2007) and Femi Brainard (Actor/Writer).

    What are some of the challenges you are grappling with managing the foundation?

    The major challenge is funding because we realised that people have lost faith in charitable organisations due to fraudulent activities.

    How do you source for funding, and how much is the biggest donation you have received on behalf of the foundation?

    We haven’t yet gotten monetary donations but we are planning a fundraiser to generate funds to build a children’s hospital in Abuja soon. However, we have gotten items though that we distribute to various orphanages. The organisation has done over 16 visitations across Nigeria so far.

    Apart from the foundation, do you have another regular job you are doing?

    I have other things that occupy my time which include an event management company where I am the MD/CEO, called Allen Touch Events.

    I’m a workaholic and I’m very passionate about anything I do. So I put in everything I have got into it and I cope very well.

    I have been in paid employments in the past. I got my experiences, contacts and knowledge from them. I also learnt how to relate properly with people through those opportunities but I left when I had to. I don’t believe in building other people’s empires for forever when I can direct the energy into owning mine.

    Where do you get your inspiration from?

    Tosin Allen is a determined woman who would strive to achieve her goals against all odds. My mum and Oprah Winfrey are my role models.

    How did your mum and Oprah influence your life?

    I grew up watching Oprah on the television, inspiring and helping people through her selfless contribution to the society as well as the talk show. I lost my dad when I was barely three years old, and since then my mum has been my rock; she sent me to the best schools even though it was almost beyond her means. She was determined and her desire was to ensure that I got the best of everything in life.

    How old are you…you are young and beautiful, when is the wedding bell ringing?

    Thanks for the compliment, but I’m not getting married anytime soon. I was 30 this August.

    Where will you like to be in the next five or 10 years?

    I would love to continue to touch lives to bring about the necessary changes. This would include providing for over 80 children-related Non Governmental Organisations in and outside Nigeria. I would also love to own a children’s hospital and be able to affect over 10millon lives directly or indirectly through our movies, music, social media platforms and child development programmes. In addition, I would love to achieve a number of personal goals in life which include being married with children.