NGO urges equal opportunities for fit, physically challenged persons

A Non-governmental organisation (NGO), Disabled Persons Care Foundation, on Friday, called for equal opportunities for the fit and physically challenged persons in the country. The Coordinator of the group, Chidolue Lambert, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. He said equal opportunities would curb the problem of discrimination among the two categories of persons when employment opportunities arose. He added that “the act of discrimination against the disabled must be eradicated; there is the need to recognise them in order for them to have sense of belonging in the society. The coordinator, who said “this is a passionate plea that calls for implementation by organisations in jobs offer,’’ decried situations where some parents restrict their handicapped children at home. He also urged the Federal Government to step-up efforts toward supporting the physically challenged and called on individuals and corporate organisations to support government’s efforts. Lambert said “the government is really trying for the physically challenged in this country but only few are benefitting and that is why individuals and corporate bodies must do more.’’ He suggested that a well designed programme be articulated at various areas to bring the physically challenged together as a way of assisting them to identify their areas of strength. He said “there should be a structure in place to help this category of persons to discover their talents and to be independent.’’