Excitement In Edo Deaf Community As Obaseki Doles Out ₦10,000 Palliative Fund

The Deaf Community in Edo State are currently smiling from cheek to cheek as the State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has doled out relief funds to it’s members to cushion the effects of lockdown in the State due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Edo State, like many other States in Nigeria is observing a 14 days lockdown which was later extended by another 14 days after President Muhammadu Buhari’s nationwide address on Monday night.

Obaseki’s gesture to the deaf community is coming as a huge relief as the lockdown was already biting hard on Nigerians especially the vulnerable groups and persons with disabilities.

Members who received the funds through bank alert couldn’t hide their joy and among them is the Deaf Association Chairman in the State, Eromosele Kingsley.

In a statement received by INN, Kingsley thanked Obaseki for the fund released to Deaf people to cushion the economic hardship and stay-at-home order caused by the pandemic, which is presently ravaging the world.

He described the Governor as a pace setter and a silent achiever.

He said: “Since he came into office, we wrote and appeal for employment for 20 deaf people, he approved and employ them. For the first time in the history of Edo state our people now works in different Ministries and Govt Agencies, some even works in Edo State Government House.

“Our people have benefited in different ways either from him or his wife.

“We wrote him on Thursday last week (2nd April), by April 9, ₦1.4 million @₦10,000 each was paid into our individual bank account to cushion the effect of stay at home order.

“You can’t tell a hungry man to stay at home on empty stomach and expect them to comply,” a smiling Kingsley said.

Asked if other PWDs also benefit from the funds, Kingsley said “for now, only the deaf have benefitted but I believe such gesture will also extend to them.”

“we ask and we were given”

Asked if the relief fund paid into his account was enough to sustain him and all his members, Kingsley said, “It is better than nothing. Some people don’t have a dime at home”.