Persons living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ekiti State have a reason to smile as Ekiti as the Office of the Wife of Governor in collaboration with the Ekiti State Government distributed palliatives to them to reduce their burden occassioned by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The items were handed over to leadership of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) and Disable People Organisations in the State.
The leaders of the groups who could not hide their excitement expressed appreciation to Erelu Bisi Fayemi and the government of Ekiti state under the leadership of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi for the gesture.
Chairman of JONAPWD in Ekiti state, Mr Kayode Owolabi appreciated the wife of the governor and the government for their love and support for persons with disabilities.
He said disability community were the most affected during this COVID-19 pandemic as they could not do anything to earn their living while most of their care-givers were also trapped in the lockdown.
He expressed optimism that the food support would go a long way in ameliorating their suffering especially during the period of the lockdown extension.
On his part, Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Engr. Olajide Funso, who is also the General Secretary of JONAPWD, thanked Fayemi and his wife for the laudable support at such critical time.
He said, “Persons with disabilities are the most vulnerable even among the vulnerable groups,” stating that the impact that COVID-19 have had on PWDs is disturbing and alarming.
“The palliative support will no doubt serve as succour to the teeming PWDs in Ekiti,” he added.
He also called on all well-meaning Nigerians both home and abroad, corporate bodies and government at all levels to rise up and help the disability community in this trying period.
Speaking on the initiative, PRO of JONAPWD in Ekiti, Miss Bankole Gbemisola thanked those who supported their cause during advocacy for the palliative support which include Hon. Biodun Oyeleye, SSA on Civil Society Matters; Hon.(Mrs) Omotunde Fajuyi, Chairperson, Ado Local Government; Hon Muyiwa Olumilua, Commisioner for Information; Dr.(Mrs) Abimbola Solanke, SA on SDGs among others.