Physically-Challenged Seek Federal Appointments

The Joint National Asso
ciation of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) on Tuesday appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider its members for cabinet appointment.
The National Secretary of the association, Mr Dauda Sale,  told newsmen in Lafia that the same gesture should be replicated by Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State and his counterparts across the country.
Sale noted that the inclusion of physically challenged in the Buhari’s cabinet would further give them a sense of belonging in the scheme of affairs in the states and the country.
He said that people with disabilities often participate actively in elections, and expressed disappointment how they were usually relegated to the background as soon as elected officials assume office.
“If the physically challenged persons are given government positions, it would go a long way to reduce the hardship and discrimination they often face in the society.
“Our members have been neglected over the years at the federal level in the area of education and healthcare,’’ the secretary said.
Sale said that most of the members were intelligent and talented in spite of their physical challenges and could contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.
He also called on the Federal Government to initiate programmes that would help the physically challenged to become self-reliant instead of begging for alms to survive.
The secretary commended Al-Makura for the on-going construction of three special schools in the state to cater for the education of the physically challenged.
He, however, called for their speedy completion.