By Julius Agadaga, Yenagoa
Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Bayelsa State have called for inclusion in benefits accruing to oil-host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
The group made the demand during a courtesy visit to King Wapaebiama Amakiri of Obhal-Emeyal Clan, in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking during the visit, the Coordinator of the group, Mr. Philip Godfrey, said PWDs have been excluded from the benefits of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) Fund.
Godfrey lamented that there had previously been no Act obligating their inclusion, a trend he said was unfortunately reinforced by Section 251(3b) of the PIA 2021.
He commended the Centre for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and the Ford Foundation for making the advocacy movement possible.
According to him, despite the provisions of the Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, 2018, which guarantees inclusion in all facets of Nigerian society, PWDs have consistently been excluded, discriminated against and disconnected from community benefits.
He noted that environmental pollution does not discriminate, adding that its impact is felt even more by PWDs than by able-bodied persons.
“The Disability Law has created opportunities for PWDs to make their voices heard. PWDs have been excluded for too long and it is not supposed to be so,” he said.
“PWDs are not feeling among; if we are feeling the pain, we should also feel the benefits of oil exploration because some of us also come from oil-producing communities,” Godfrey added.
Responding, King Amakiri said the world has come to recognise that disability does not mean incapacitation, describing PWDs as disabled but capable.
He said the setback associated with disability should no longer be used as a disadvantage against persons living with disabilities.
“Gone are the days when PWDs were regarded as beggars on the streets. They can contribute meaningfully to societal development if given the right opportunity,” the monarch said.
On the PIA issue, Amakiri assured the group that he would engage fellow traditional rulers in charge of oil-producing communities within the clan to deliberate on their demand, noting that oil pollution affects both able-bodied persons and PWDs alike.
