Physically Challenges Get Relief as Edo Passes Law

BENIN CITY – Secretary to Edo State Government, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere says modalities are in place to enforce the law which provides that new public buildings in the state should be made easily accessible by physically challenged persons in the society. He announced this yesterday in Government House, while receiving a delegation of National Council of the Physically Challenged and the Network Advocacy for Persons with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID). He assured that the state Ministries of Works and Urban Development and Housing would be charged with the task of enforcing the law to the letter, adding that “insensitivity to the physically challenged is not acceptable. The SSG remarked that the demonstration of integrity, credibility, concern and sensitivity to the plight of the marginalised and physically challenged by Governor Adams Oshiomhole has been proved through employment opportunities and support given to them by the administration. He promised government’s continued support and partnership, adding that stigmatisation, marginalisation and oppression of persons with disabilities is against the law. Niger Delta Co-ordinator, National Council of the Physically Challenged, Mr. Omokhodion Gerry-Boi said the neglect and stigmatisation of the disabled is yet to receive adequate attention from relevant authorities. He expressed appreciation to Governor Adams Oshiomhole for giving them a sense of belonging in his administration. He sued for more support by involving them in committees that handle matters which directly affect them, as well as giving them more job opportunities, even at the local government level. During the session with NAPVID, Prof. Ihonvbere promised that government would ensure a speedy passage of the executive bill for the creation of a Commission for persons with disabilities which has since been forwarded to the state House of Assembly. When passed, he said it would address the challenges faced by people with disabilities. State President, NAPVID, Barr. Melody Omosah, said their principal focus is to promote merit and de-emphasise charity, stressing that begging is not synonymous with persons with disabilities. According to him, some of them who by the grace of God and dint of hardwork have been able to carve a niche for themselves, are taking steps to empower persons with disability. He thanked Governor Oshiomhole for his support towards NAPVID Education Fund, renovation of two of the schools for Physically Challenged Persons, and solicited more support and speedy passage of the executive bill for the physically challenged persons. In a private audience with members of Dwarf Association, Edo State, the SSG enjoined them not to be discouraged by the stigma and that their decision to register the association is a step in the right direction as it would give them a bigger voice and extend help to more of their kind. Leader of the delegation, Mr. Aghama Efionayi appealed to the state government to help establish their association and empower them. (By QUEENNETH OROBEDO - The Nigerian Observer)