Economy: Provide Palliative Care For Persons With Disabilities, NGO Urges FG

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2024

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Economy: Provide Palliative Care For Persons With Disabilities, NGO Urges FG—-The Convener, Disability Inclusion Nigeria, Mr Jake Epelle, has urged the Federal Government to provide palliative care for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) to help cushion the effect of the economic situation on them.

Epelle made the appeal on Tuesday in Abuja in an open letter written to President Bola Tinubu titled “An Urgent Appeal to Address the Crippling Impact of the Economic Crisis on Vulnerable Nigerians, Particularly PWDs.

According to Epelle, the letter was written to the president, urging him to address the skyrocketing inflation rate which has severely eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians.

In the letter, he said that the inflation rate has also impeded access to necessities like affordable healthcare, education, transportation, and food, pushing countless Nigerians further into the abyss of poverty and despair.

“This crisis disproportionately affects PWDs, who already face significant barriers due to pre-existing societal and infrastructural challenges.

“The rising cost of essential medications, assistive devices, food items, and specialised care throws PWDs into a precarious situation, jeopardising there will-being and independence.

“The financial burden of education, compounded by transportation costs, threatens to exclude them from educational opportunities, further marginalising them and hindering their potential to contribute meaningfully to society.”

Epelle who is also the founder of The Albino Foundation (TAF) Africa, said that palliative care could be provided by establishing stamps, preferably in the 774 local government areas or in the six geopolitical zones and encourage private sector participation in the initiative.

He also called for the allocation of additional resources to support inclusive education initiatives, including training teachers, providing assistive technologies, subsidising school fees, and generally creating accessible learning environments.

Other recommendations made includes that the Federal Government should prioritise the development and maintenance of affordable transportation infrastructure accessible to PWDs, ensuring their mobility and independence are not compromised due to economic constraints.

“Design and implement skills development programs tailored to the specific needs and abilities of PWDs, to equip them with relevant skills for the job market and encourage employability by the private sector.

“Implement tax breaks for manufacturers and distributors to make assistive technologies, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, and screen readers more affordable for PWDs.”

He added that though some of the recommendations may be implementable only in the mid to long-term, the president should take immediate and decisive action, especially on reasonable short-term steps, to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable Nigerians.

He also said that adopting the recommendations would greatly contribute and demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive governance and social justice.

Epelle, however, said that the organisation was ready and willing to collaborate with the Federal Government to ensure that no Nigerian, especially PWDs, is left behind in the journey towards economic recovery and social development.

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JUST IN: After 56 Days in Captivity, Ogbomoso Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom, Presidency Confirms

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17 hours ago

July 10, 2026

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JUST IN: After 56 Days in Captivity, Ogbomoso Pupils and Teachers Regain Freedom, Presidency Confirms—-The Nigerian Presidency has confirmed that all pupils and teachers abducted during the May 15 attack on schools in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations by security agencies.

Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, announced the development on Friday via his official X account, stating that the victims had been successfully rescued after spending weeks in captivity.

The mass abduction occurred on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men riding motorcycles and dressed in military camouflage stormed three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The attackers invaded Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, Community Grammar School in Esiele, and L.A. Primary School in Ahoro-Esiele, firing gunshots to create panic before whisking away dozens of pupils and teachers.

Among those kidnapped were children as young as two years old, alongside at least seven teachers, in one of the most shocking school abductions recorded in Nigeria’s southwest region.

The assailants reportedly marched their captives into the forests surrounding Old Oyo National Park, an area increasingly associated with the activities of armed criminal groups. The incident triggered widespread fear across affected communities, forcing schools to close indefinitely as worried parents withdrew their children from classrooms.

The abduction sparked national outrage, with civil society organizations, activists, celebrities, and concerned citizens demanding urgent intervention from authorities. The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) also declared an indefinite strike in Oyo State, insisting on stronger security measures to protect schools and educational workers.

In response, a joint security operation involving the Nigerian Army, Amotekun Corps, police personnel, and local hunters was launched. Security operatives reportedly engaged the kidnappers in a series of confrontations as efforts intensified to secure the safe return of the victims.

The successful rescue marks the end of a traumatic ordeal that gripped Oyo State and drew attention to the persistent threat of school abductions in parts of the country. Families, community leaders, and education stakeholders have welcomed the development, while calls continue for improved security around schools to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Presidency has yet to release full details of the rescue operation, but the announcement has brought relief to families and communities who endured weeks of uncertainty following the abduction.

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Argentina Stun Egypt with Three-Goal Blitz, Messi Leads Heroic Comeback

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4 days ago

July 7, 2026

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Argentina Stun Egypt with Three-Goal Blitz, Messi Leads Heroic Comeback—-The defending champions looked destined for elimination after falling 2-0 behind to Egypt, but Lionel Messi inspired a breathtaking late comeback as Argentina scored three goals in the final 11 minutes to win 3-2 and keep their World Cup title defence alive.

Argentina produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, recovering from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in an unforgettable Round of 16 clash and book their place in the quarter-finals. Lionel Messi once again proved the difference, scoring the equaliser after earlier missing a penalty before Enzo Fernández completed the remarkable turnaround in stoppage time.

The reigning world champions dominated possession from the opening whistle but were stunned in the 15th minute when Yasser Ibrahim rose above Lisandro Martínez to power home a header from Marwan Attia’s corner. Argentina had the perfect opportunity to respond six minutes later after Nicolás Tagliafico won a penalty, but Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir guessed correctly to deny Messi from the spot—his second penalty miss of the tournament. Shobeir continued his outstanding performance before halftime, producing excellent saves to frustrate Alexis Mac Allister and Julián Álvarez as Egypt carried a 1-0 lead into the break.

Egypt thought they had doubled their advantage early in the second half, only for Mostafa Zico’s effort to be ruled out following a VAR review. The Pharaohs refused to be discouraged, however, and eventually found a second goal in the 67th minute when Zico finished a swift counterattack after brilliant work from Mohamed Salah and Haissem Hassan, leaving Argentina facing a shock World Cup exit.

With time running out, Lionel Scaloni’s side mounted an extraordinary fightback. Cristian Romero sparked hope in the 79th minute, rising unmarked to head home Messi’s inviting free-kick. Four minutes later, Messi redeemed his earlier penalty miss by firing a powerful effort that clipped the goalkeeper’s gloves before crashing in off the underside of the crossbar to level the score at 2-2 and ignite wild celebrations among the Argentina supporters.

As extra time loomed, Argentina completed the impossible. Deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martínez delivered a pinpoint cross into the penalty area where Enzo Fernández arrived to guide a composed header into the bottom corner, sealing a sensational 3-2 victory and one of the greatest comeback wins in World Cup knockout history.

The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive and sends them into the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of Switzerland and Colombia. For Egypt, it was a devastating end to a superb performance, having come within minutes of eliminating the defending champions before Argentina’s late surge turned the match on its head.

Messi’s goal not only rescued Argentina but also added another chapter to his extraordinary World Cup legacy. Despite the missed penalty, the 39-year-old captain delivered when his nation needed him most, inspiring a comeback that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2026 tournament.

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