The Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Taraba State chapter, has appealed to the state government to prioritise persons living with disabilities in employment opportunities across the state.
The state chairman of the association, Mr. Ali Matudi, made the appeal during an interview with journalists in Jalingo, lamenting that many qualified persons living with disabilities remain unemployed despite possessing the requisite educational qualifications.
Mr. Matudi said several members of the association have acquired Western education, including university degrees and master’s qualifications, yet have been unable to secure gainful employment.
He stressed that deliberate and sustained government intervention was required to address their situation and promote inclusive development in the state.
The JONAPWD chairman also disclosed that although many members have undergone skills acquisition programmes, they lack the financial support and empowerment needed to establish sustainable livelihoods and become self-reliant.
While commending the Taraba State Government for absorbing some persons living with disabilities into the civil service, Mr. Matudi said the number employed so far remained inadequate when compared to the large population of unemployed members.
He therefore urged Gov. Agbu Kefas to expand employment opportunities for persons living with disabilities, noting that such a move would strengthen social inclusion and enhance economic participation in the state.
