PWDs in Ekiti advocates jobs, business creation

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ikole-Ekiti, Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti, have appealed to Gov. Biodun Oyebanji to offer them with jobs and business opportunities to cushion the current economic hardship.

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A group of the PWDs, who spoke with newsmen in Ikole- Ekiti on Saturday, said that they were currently experiencing hardship, owing to lack of visible means of livelihood.

One of the IDPs, Mr Bolaji Farouk, said the cost of living had become unbearable for him, as he did not have enough money to start his desired shoemaking business which could have been fetching him money.

He said that some of his friends and residents who usually gave him money to feed were no longer doing so because of their financial constraints.

Farouk called on the governor to assist the physically-challenged people with job and business opportunities to ease their quest for survival.

“I want to appeal to our governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, to empower us with businesses and jobs that will take away our sufferings.

“As for me, I am skilled in repair of shoes, leathers and bags. I’m sure that with necessary tools and funds, I can be self-reliant.

“Some of our colleagues in other states are currently enjoying government intervention in these areas.

“I believe through this media propagation, government will hear our voices and accede to our requests,” he said.

Mr Jubril Ibrahim, a visually-impaired, said begging for alms had become a way of life for him, though he was not satisfied with it.

“I am not satisfied with the kind of life I’m living,” he said.

Ibrahim, therefore, appealed to both the state and local governments to prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of PWDs through their programmes and policies.

He particularly called for special consideration for PWDs in the distribution of palliatives to cushion the hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

Also, Mrs Rukayat Ismali, a deaf and dumb, who spoke through an interpreter, said the cost of food items, drugs and other daily needs had become unbearable for her and her family.

Ismail, who described the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government as a bold step, however, implored governments at all levels to give more priority to job creation and skill acquisition for women and youths.

“The decision by the federal government to remove fuel subsidy was good but we need financial support from government for us to be able to stand on our feet,” she said.

Similarly, Mr Olusola Ogungbenro, appealed for more budgetary allocation to cater for women and youths in the state, especially the PWDs.

He said that the hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal had further worsened their living conditions, hence the need for urgent government intervention.

NAN/Wumi