The People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State have called on members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to champion their rights and amplify their demands for inclusion in the state’s budgetary allocations.
The Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Engr. Benjamin Olajide made the appeal over the weekend in Akure during a courtesy visit to the leadership of NUJ, Ondo State Council, under the chairmanship of Comrade Leke Adegbite.
Olajide, who led members of the PWD community to the NUJ secretariat, said the interventions of the state government so far have largely been charity-based rather than rights-driven.
“PWDs have in recent times been appealing to the Ondo State government to incorporate us in the budgetary allocations of all sectors of the state’s economy. What is being done for us currently is charity, not our rights,” he stated.
He stressed that their demands from Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration are rooted in inclusion, justice, and equity across government activities and programmes.
Olajide also appealed to parents and guardians not to hide children living with disabilities, noting that many conditions have medical solutions and that early intervention is key.
“We don’t want sympathy, pity, or charity measures. We want our rights. Parents should stop keeping children with disabilities indoors. There’s nothing to be ashamed of; after all, the child did not create himself that way.
“There are medical solutions to most of these disabilitie. All you need doing is bringing them to us, and we will direct you to the appropriate quarters to solve the problem,” he said.
In his response, NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adegbite – represented by the union’s Vice Chairman, Comrade Ayodeji Alabi – assured the group of journalists’ unwavering support.
“On behalf of the union, I promise that journalists in Ondo State will not relent in being amplifiers of the voices of PWDs. Carry us along in your advocacy, and you will continue to enjoy our support,” Adegbite said.
Also speaking, the union’s Secretary, Olaoluwa Meishak, reaffirmed that the NUJ would always stand by the rights of persons with disabilities in society.
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