In a move to show solidarity and support for the people of Borno State, especially Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), the National President of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Abdullahi Ali Usman, visited Maiduguri to sympathize with Governor Babagana Zulum, the Shehu of Borno Alhaji Abubakar Umar Garbai El kanemi, and the entire disabled community in the state over the recent flood disaster.
During the visit on Sunday, Usman conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the National Executive members of JONAPWD and the entire PWD community across Nigeria to their fellow members in Borno State.
The President’s condolence message was delivered to the members at the State Office of JONAPWD, located at the Women’s Development Center Maiduguri.
The flood disaster, which has affected thousands across Borno State, has a devastating impact on the PWD community. According to estimates, more than 2,500 people with disabilities were directly affected by the floods, with 150 people either missing or presumed dead.
The loss of lives and property, grossly affected persons with disabilities community, couple with the economic hardships and marginalization as well as stigmatization from the people
Addressing the press, the National President expressed deep concern over the double trauma faced by PWDs due to the disaster, saying,” “Already these people are facing marginalization due to their disabilities, this flood disaster is a double blow for them”.
He called on the Borno State Government, under the leadership of Professor Zulum, to pay special attention to the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities during the relief and recovery process. He noted that many PWDs are struggling to access evacuation camps and other support facilities due to mobility challenges and other barriers.
The President also praised the swift response of the Borno State Government to the disaster but emphasized the need for tailored assistance to ensure that PWDs are not left behind.
He urged donor organizations, NGOs, and other stakeholders to give special consideration to PWDs when providing aid and recovery support.
Several leaders of the PWD community also spoke during the visit, reinforcing the need for dedicated support.
The North-East Zonal Leader of JONAPWD, Alhaji Usman Bura, traveled from Yobe State to offer his sympathies and noted that while the National and Zonal leadership had extended their condolences remotely, their physical presence was necessary to fully appreciate the gravity of the situation.
The President of the physically challenged group, Mohammed Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to the National President for the visit, describing it as a rare gesture of solidarity.
Other leaders, including Mallam Mohammed Mustafa, representing the visually impaired, and leaders of the hearing-impaired community, echoed similar sentiments, appreciating the visit as a source of hope and encouragement.
The Women’s Leader of the PWD community in Borno, in her remarks, highlighted the disproportionate impact the flood has had on women with disabilities, many of whom have lost their homes and livelihoods.
She commended the National President for being the first leader to personally visit and sympathize with them, urging the government to also consider the specific needs of women with disabilities during the recovery process.
The visit concluded with the National President presenting assorted relief items to PWDs as immediate support, signaling JONAPWD’s continued commitment to assisting its members during this difficult time.
The visit of the National President of JONAPWD served as a call to action for all stakeholders to ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind in relief efforts.
Their unique vulnerabilities, especially in times of crisis, require urgent and focused attention to ensure they receive the care and support they need