Emmanuel Oluwadola
“Things have been very difficult for me ever since the fuel subsidy was removed in Nigeria. Because it led to a hike in the price of goods and services. Now, I eat once a day, sometimes, twice. I find it very hard to afford three square meals per day due to the economic hardship. It is a hard time, especially for non-working persons with disabilities.”
The above are the words of Daud Abdulmajeed, a visually impaired graduate after his return from the day’s struggle. He was worried because now, he could barely take care of his daily needs as a result of the recent harsh economy.
According to him, the recent development in the country has a greater hostile effect on people with disabilities(PWDs). That one has something to do is even a step above others. How difficult are other PWDS without support? He said he could not imagine how other PWDs are surviving at this time. My life is a bit bearable only because of the support I get from God and well-meaning people, he said.
Abdulmajeed believed that if the government could employ some of the PWDs into the civil service structure things may be a bit bearable. The rate of unemployed PWDs would be reduced and life would be more comfortable for them without a dependence on family members or on the government for survival.
“We want the government and philanthropists at this time to really come to the aid of PWDs. This is especially so for those who are not working. There has also been news about palliative care. It is a good step by the government. Unfortunately, the trend we are seeing is that many PWDs are being left behind. As an individual, I have not received anything up till now,” he said.
Similarly, Aribo Orowole, a physically challenged student at Adekunle Ajasin University, AAUA, thought everything was fine until the items she needed for resumption were reduced due to the exorbitant price of things.
Her words, “The amount of my food stuff reduced, things were not just sufficient unlike before. Transportation fares had gone up and this delayed me from resuming school on time. Things are not smiling at all.”
She, however, said that empowerment or employment will go a long way in helping people with disabilities ride over the problems ravaging the county now.
“Also, my advice is that whatever and however people may think they can help people with disabilities during this period, they should kindly do that. No matter how small, it will be appreciated,” Orowole noted.
Government should prioritise PWDs in the palliative scheme, use its PWD Agency as channel
The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Association of the Blind, Ondo State chapter, Nasirudeen Oladele said his daily experience now was not palatable following the economic downturn. “To survive, I had no choice but to manage the things l have.”
Nasirudeen Oladele. PC: Emmanuel
Oladele condemned the hike in prices of both imported and locally made products, and food items, stressing that it is posing more challenges to people with disabilities.
“I want to urge the government both at the local, state and federal level, that PWDs should be considered for the palliative scheme. Like they are planning for some groups, the government should involve PWDs and it should be done through the right channels such as the Joint Association of Persons with Disabilities or the Agency of People with Disabilities. With that, it will get to the right quarters of the needy.
“The PWDs should be included among committee members who are in charge of palliative distribution across the state because PWDs are one of the most vulnerable groups and their inclusion will show the government really cares.
Another student with a disability, Olorundare Ifeoluwa from AAUA said some parents, workers, and PWD sponsors are now struggling because of the present hike of things.
“Since the fuel subsidy removal started, it has not been easy for both parents and students, even for workers because it was not that they increased their salaries. However, my advice to everybody is that we should tighten up our belts and manage our resources.
“The government should consult with PWDs so it knows their specific and crucial needs. Honestly, the experience now is not palatable. The surge in prices, inflation is alarming. Some sponsors who are paying PWDs school fees are struggling now. Of note also is the fact that school fees have tripled. If nothing is done, the number of out of school dropouts among the PWDs will rise. Access to education is a huge addition to an average PWD. Another way government can help is to ensure price regulation becomes more effective and enforced
Ogundijo Ibukun, another PWD affirmed “I have never experienced this hard moment in his life as a PWD”. Eating three square meals per day is luxury for those who are rich and is no longer within the reach of an average person without disabilities not to now talk about a person with one. High cost of items has become a task master to all.
“This is not the time to keep quiet if you are PWD. There is need to speak loudly with one voice so we can be heard by the government. We should let the government know that living for us is very difficult at this time”. Ibukun said.
Whatever the government can do now, the government must remember that time now is for the government to empower PWDs. This should begin with proper inclusion of PWDs in the palliatives process so as to reduce the effect of hardship of the subsidy removal.
Ridwan Adegboye, another visually impaired person in the state shared with me, “The current economic hardship has negatively impacted my well-being and the situation continues to worsen my physical and mental health condition”.
“A commercial motor bike ride I used to take with just 200 before now ranges between N500 or N600 for the same distance. I had to use this instead of a taxi because of convenience. I will have to use my cane guide to navigate my way”.
If the government really cares about inclusion, it must prioritise PWDs who have the right skills’ employment. PWD education is also going above the roof for the majority of them. IF PWDs must play their key roles in the society, quality education should be accessible to them. “Quality education empowers all, that is why I strive for one”. Ridwan hinted.
PWDs need collaborative support for life sustainability— Ondo government official
Affirming the challenges of PWDs, the Ondo State Board Chairman Agency for the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, Princess Arises Folashade said persons with disabilities are people who need help for life’s sustainability.
“Persons with disabilities are special people. Some of them have challenges with sight, hands, legs, hearing, etc., as a result, they are vulnerable and need help for life sustainability. While the government is trying, well-meaning Nigerians can also support this initiative as we know funds at the state’s disposal too is dwindling”.
