Edo Disability Forum (EDF) has commended the Edo State government for its receptive engagements with the leadership of persons living with disabilities (PWDs) in the state.
The convener, Melody Omosah Esq., who gave the commendation during a pressing briefing in Benin City, the state capital, Tuesday, stated that the engagement is further proof of the state government’s commitment to their welfare.
Omosah told journalists that, in the last six weeks, the forum has visited Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as well as the Government House to advocate for inclusive and sustainable programmes and policies to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal by the Federal Government on persons living with disabilities.
According to Omosah, after the group’s press conference on February 8, 2024, to address the impact of the post-subsidy regime on their well-being, it became necessary to brief the media a second time to update them on the state government’s responses to their advocacies.
“Yes, the government received us; the different MDAs that we visited received us, and even when we paid a visit to the State House we were well received. And we received assurances from government, promises from government, pledges and commitment that our recommendations as presented would be looked into, and that we are going to get support at the end of the day.
“So, we’re here reporting first that the Edo State MDAs as well as the State House have received us, and have promised to look into our matters as presented and actions will be taken on them. For us, we’re excited about that, but while being excited, it should be noted that these are promises; and until dreams are turned to realities we can not say the job is done, otherwise like they say, ‘if wishes were horses beggars would ride’,” Omosah said.
While responding to questions from journalists, Omosah noted that the leadership of the disability community is open to engaging political as well as non-political groups genuinely interested in the welfare of people living with disabilities in the state.
On his part, Onome Otueroro, executive director of Christabel Otueroro Foundation and a member of the forum, joined the convener to appeal to the media “to do more,” to set an agenda geared towards inclusive governance in the state.
