The Kehinde Oshilaja Foundation for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) has raised alarm over the worsening plight of Nigerians with disabilities, accusing the government of neglect and failing to deliver on promises of inclusion and support.
In a strongly worded petition addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the foundation painted a grim picture of the daily struggles of PLWDs, highlighting the lack of access to basic amenities, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. The petition, signed by the foundation’s president, Kehinde Oshilaja, emphasized that the economic downturn has exacerbated the suffering of PLWDs, making even essential services unaffordable.
Neglect and Unfulfilled Promises
Oshilaja condemned local governments for failing to utilize allocated funds meant for PLWDs, despite receiving financial support from state and federal governments.
> “The negligence of local governments in addressing the needs of PLWDs is unacceptable. The continued failure to disburse these allocations is a clear sign that PLWDs are not considered a priority,” he said.
He further lamented the exorbitant costs of healthcare, which have made it nearly impossible for PLWDs to access basic medical services.
“Many PLWDs, due to financial constraints, cannot afford primary healthcare. The result? Preventable deaths and unnecessary suffering. The government’s failure to implement a sustainable and inclusive healthcare system is nothing short of a tragedy.”
The foundation urged the government to initiate urgent reforms, including:
Universal health coverage to ensure PLWDs receive quality and affordable medical care.
Strict oversight on local government spending to ensure allocations meant for PLWDs reach the intended beneficiaries.
Reduction of telecommunication tariffs, as rising phone and internet costs have severely impacted communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, who rely on messaging apps and social media for daily interactions.
Oshilaja criticized the government’s approach to addressing the crisis, using a sharp metaphor to illustrate its perceived hypocrisy:
“The government, like a rat gnawing at the leg of its citizens, inflicts pain while simultaneously blowing air on the wound to offer false relief. PLWDs deserve action, not empty promises.”
The foundation called on the Honorable Minister of Telecommunications to intervene immediately by reducing tariffs to ease the financial burden on PLWDs and the general public.
With the Nigerian economy tightening its grip on vulnerable populations, the petition serves as a stark reminder that PLWDs are being pushed further to the margins. Will the government finally take decisive action, or will these concerns continue to be met with silence?
PIONEER NEWS 