A group under the aegis of, Edo Disability Forum (EDF), has appealed for loan support for persons with disabilities in the wake of current economic realities occasioned by the petroleum subsidy removal.
The group’s convener, Melody Omosah Esq, made the appeal when led heads of the various disability clusters in the state, on an advocacy visit to the Ministry of Business, Trade and Cooperatives, in Benin City, last Thursday.
Omosah lamented that findings by the group showed that Edo PWDs were adversely affected by the federal government’s policy.
He maintained that, most businesses owned by persons with disabilities were struggling to survive, noting, others who had wanted to start their own businesses could not acquire loans.
“We are here this afternoon to present the report of our survey to you, and to ask that as a ministry, the space should be open to persons with disabilities to thrive in business; we know that it is a regulatory ministry that facilitate ease of doing business. We have a number of persons with disabilities, who are into business, but, who this policy is presently affecting. Access to fund for their business becomes challenging.
“So, we would request that this ministry would help to facilitate access to loans, at a single digit, or possibly free interests loans for these ones to do business. We emphasis, as leaders of persons with disabilities that we want to be given the opportunity to contribute to the baking of the national cake. We believe that when we’re thought how to fish, we will be in a position to contribute, rather than being given hand outs, but for the few who are into business they need to be encouraged by having access to loans,” the EDF convener appealed
Responding, the commissioner, Patrick Uanseru said the state government’s commitment to the welfare of people living with disabilities, adding, the ministry would prioritize their interests especially to secure easy access to business loans.
“If there’s any opportunity I will ensure you people are considered,” Uanseru assured them.
