In a recent meeting with the Edo Disability Forum (EDF), Christabel Omoh Ekwu, the Edo State Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges faced by persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
During the advocacy visit to her office, Commissioner Ekwu assured the group that the Godwin Obaseki-led administration would establish a disability commission by November of this year. This commission aims to cater to the unique needs of PWDs, ensuring their inclusion and well-being.
Ekwu stated, “What I can promise is that we will seek an audience with His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, to discuss these matters. Our goal is to ensure that the disability commission he has pledged becomes operational before the end of this administration.”
The EDF, composed of leaders from various disability clusters in the state, expressed concerns about the continued neglect of PWDs in government policies and programs. Melody Omosah Esq, the convener, highlighted the impact of economic hardship on PWDs, exacerbated by the Federal Government’s removal of petroleum subsidy.
Omosah appealed for “palliatives” or monthly financial support for unemployed PWDs, particularly graduates. She emphasized that only a dedicated disability commission could effectively implement the Edo Disability Bill, safeguarding the rights and needs of Edo’s PWDs, even in emergency situations arising from subsidy removal.
“When the commission is constituted, there is a committee for the implementation of that (Edo Disability) law which the honourable commissioner (for social development and gender issues) chairs; that speaks to your commitment to those issues.
“This administration will be coming to an end by November 2024, so we want to make sure a commission is established before it does, to ensure that government efforts to include people with disabilities continue.”
“We are considering a sustainable approach to responding to issues of persons with disabilities when it comes to emergencies, so that commission is crucial,” the EDF convener stated.
