By Oni Femi (INN), Ekiti
Persons with disabilities in Ekiti State have called on government to pay more attention to the needs of PWDs in the state.
The group made the call in a press conference to commemorate the international day of persons with disabilities (PWDs) at NUJ hall Ado Ekiti. December 3 is the day set aside by UN to celebrate PWDs, the theme for this year is “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation in Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World.“
At the conference, it was noted that it’s been a while since the leadership of Joint National Association Of Persons With Disabilities, (JONAPWD), Ekiti State Chapter made number of demands from the state government.
These demands, according to JONAPWD, include the appointment of qualified persons with disabilities into political positions especially in the rank of cabinet members in order to give voice to persons with disabilities on the decision-making table, accessibility for PWDs in services and to facilities most importantly the sign language interpreter at Ekiti Television Station.
Mr. Owolabi Kayode, the JONAPWD chairman, while thanking the previous administration of John Kayode Fayemi for passing Disability bill into law, pleaded with the present Government of Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji to implement the law.
He also pleaded with Governor Oyebanji to reverse the decision to suspend subvention payments to PWDs.
Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Disability Duty Desk Officer, Mrs Adejuwon Yemisi (ASCI), assured PWDs of attention and fair treatment if molested. She urged the group to stay away from trouble and avoid taking laws into their hands.
Members of each cluster at the conference raised concerns on discriminatory policies denying them access to service by some institutions.
The leadership of JONAPWD and Executive Director, Disability Not A Barrier Initiative, Mr Olajide Funso promised to look into these issues as part of their ongoing projects in Ekiti State.