The Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to consider their members for appointment into his cabinet.
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.
Sale noted that the inclusion of the physically challenged in Buhari’s cabinet would further give them a sense of belonging in the scheme of affairs in the states and the country.
“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.
He 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 noted that people with disabilities often participate actively in elections and expressed disappointment on how they were usually relegated to the background as soon as the elected official assume office.
