Ishaq Dan-Imam, Lokoja
Unemployed graduates with disabilities in Kogi State have appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a special recruitment directive, lamenting that unemployment is pushing them into deeper frustration despite holding certificates.
The group, under the umbrella of Applicants/Workers with Disabilities, Kogi State, said although the Kogi State Disability Law provides for 6% of all recruitments to be reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the provision has not been enforced by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
In an open appeal signed by its President, Comrade Samuel Mark, the group said being a person with disability is already a life of double disadvantage.
“To live daily as a person with physical disability, blindness, deafness, albinism, spinal cord injury or psychosocial disability is a battle that only the strong-hearted can explain,” the statement said.
The group noted that persons with disabilities pay more to acquire education due to inaccessible classrooms, cost of guides, assistive devices and transportation, but endured with the hope that education would secure a future.
“Our hope was revived when Kogi State passed its Disability Law allocating 6% of all recruitments to Persons with Disabilities. Unfortunately, till date, there has not been any intentional step to compel Heads of MDAs to implement this provision.
“The law exists, but applicants with disabilities are still left on the streets with certificates and no job,” Mark said.
He stressed that unemployment hits persons with disabilities harder than able-bodied applicants, as many cannot trek long distances, do menial jobs or travel far to hustle.
“Many of our members have First Class, Second Class Upper, NCE, ND and Masters degrees but are still at home, depending on family and charity. Without a job, we cannot even afford to maintain our wheelchairs, buy white canes, hearing aids, or drugs,” he lamented.
The group said they are not asking for sympathy but for opportunity, calling on Governor Ododo, whom they described as a listening father, to enforce the law with political will.
“We are passionately appealing for a special approval and directive for the recruitment of persons with disabilities into the Kogi State Civil Service.
“Give us jobs, and you will give us dignity. Give us jobs, and government will no longer need to buy wheelchairs or give us palliative cash, because we will have the financial capability to take care of ourselves,” the statement added.
