The national president Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Abdullahi Ali Usman, weekend, visited Maiduguri to sympathise with the Borno state governor, Professor Babagana Umara 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, Usman conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the national executive members of JONAPWD and the entire PWD community across Nigeria to their members in Borno state.
The flood disaster, which has affected thousands across Borno state, has had devastating impact on the PWD community. It si estimated that more than 2,500 people with disabilities were directly affected by the floods, with 150 either missing or presumed dead.
The loss of lives and property, grossly affected persons with disabilities community, coupled with the economic hardships and marginalisation as well as stigmatisation from the people.
The national president expressed deep concern over the double trauma faced by PWDs due to the disaster, saying, “Already facing marginalisation 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 and 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 stated the need for tailored assistance to ensure that PWDs are not left behind.
