Original inhabitants with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called for economic, cultural, and social empowerment to alleviate poverty and eradicate street begging among them.
The appeal was made yesterday during a consultative forum on the plight of persons with disabilities in Kuje, Abuja, organised by the MacArthur Foundation under the theme: “Promoting the Economic, Cultural, Social, and Political Rights of FCT Original Inhabitants with Disabilities.”
The FCT is home to over 3,000 indigenous persons with various disabilities, including visual impairment, amputated limbs, and hearing and speech challenges, spread across its six area councils.
A laboratory scientist-turned shoemaker after a 2014 accident, Adiko Musa, left him amputated, shared his struggle with unemployment.
“I was once a professional, but after my accident, no one would employ me. Now, I make shoes to survive. We need opportunities, not pity,” he said.
The North Central coordinator of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Comrade Maikumo and FCT chapter chairman, Comrade Joseph Wakili, jointly demanded the rehabilitation of disability centres in the territory.
“Our centres are in terrible condition. The government must act to provide proper care and training for our members,” Wakili stated.
Festus Yakubu, the president of Original Inhabitants with Disabilities in the FCT, emphasised the need for comprehensive empowerment.
“We are not asking for handouts. We want skills, jobs, and inclusion in society. The Disability Act must be enforced to protect our rights,” he said.
Yakubu also appealed to political leaders to uphold the Disability Act signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that compliance would reduce dependency on street begging.
Chairperson of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association and wife of the Ona of Abaji, Hajiya Hawa Adamu, pledged to advocate for greater inclusion.
“We will push for your cultural and political recognition. Your voices matter, and we stand with you,” she assured.
The forum highlighted the need for systemic change to integrate persons with disabilities into the FCT’s economic and social fabric, ensuring dignity and self-reliance.
