Consider PWDs In Policy Making To Ameliorate Suffering, Guarantee Survival – Disability
Forum Tells Govt
By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Convener, Edo Disability Forum (EDF), Melody Omosah has called on government and other stakeholders for sustainability and policies targeted at addressing the challenges of Person With Disabilities (PWDs) particularly in empowering inclusivity and adaptability in Emergency.
The group lamented that policies made by government and other stakeholders do not particularly target Person With Disabilities and as such they have been negelcted in the scheme of things both in governance and socio-economic development.
Omosah made the call in Benin during the National Democratic Institute (NDI) PAIRS IV Project close-out meeting entitled, “Resilience Net-Empowering Inclusivity and Adaptability in Emergency .”
Speaking on the plight and predicament of PWDs, Omosah urged for sustainability and policies towards improving the lives of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in addressing their needs.
He who solicited support from government on measures to ameliorate the plights of PWDs and guarantee their survival particularly in the aftermath of the subsidy removal, added that Persons with Disabilities have suffered more in the society as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy policy.
Omosah said subsidy removal has reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians and has particularly exacerbated the life and livelihood of PWDs.
Omosah who lamented the conditions of PWDs across Edo State noted that any sudden disruption to a people’s social, economic, and political life, heightens the vulnerability of Persons With Disabilities.”Our work is far from over, but with continued collaboration and advocacy, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.”Omosah said.
On his part, Programme Director, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Ben Aga, commended the Edo Disability Forum for their resilience and the Edo State Government for its commitment towards addressing the challenges facing the PWDs in the state.