PWDs in Ondo seek NUJ support for rights, budget inclusion

By Boye Oyeyemi –

People with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ondo State have called on the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to support their advocacy for equity and inclusion, particularly in budgetary allocations.

The appeal was made at the weekend when a delegation led by the Executive Director of Disability Not A Barrier Initiative (DINABI), Engr. Olajide Benjamin, paid a courtesy visit to the leadership of the NUJ, Ondo State Council, in Akure.

Olajide, a computer engineer, told the NUJ executives, under the chairmanship of Comrade Leke Adegbite, that government interventions for PWDs in the state had so far been more of charity than recognition of their rights.

“In DINABI, we promote equity, inclusion and justice for PWDs. So, we are asking NUJ to help us in creating awareness among the people, particularly those in the corridor of power, to draw the attention of Ondo State government to attend to our needs. We don’t want sympathy, we don’t want pity, we don’t want charity measures, but our rights,” he said.

He also urged parents not to hide children living with disabilities, stressing that many conditions have medical solutions.

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of because a child has one disability or another. After all, he or she didn’t create himself or herself that way,” he added.

Responding, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Adegbite, who was represented by his Vice, Comrade Ayodeji Alabi, assured the group that journalists in Ondo State would continue to amplify their voices.

He encouraged the disability group to always carry the Union along in their advocacy programmes to ensure adequate coverage and support.