JUST IN: North Central APC Disability Leader Seeks 500 Wheelchairs, Commends Tinubu’s Development Efforts

 

 

 

By OGB Joseph, Abuja 

 

 

 

The North Central Disability Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), David Aondofa, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the ruling party to provide at least 500 wheelchairs for persons with disabilities across the North Central geopolitical zone to enhance their mobility and participation in national development.

 

 

 

Aondofa, who spoke during an interview at the National Secretariat of the party during a visit to the Media centre this afternoon, said his passion for advocating for persons with disabilities stems from his personal experience as a person living with disability.

 

 

 

According to him, “There is nothing about us without us. I know our pains, our struggles and the challenges we face every day. That is what gives me the passion to support persons with disabilities.”

 

 

 

He highlighted several humanitarian initiatives he has personally financed through proceeds from his shoemaking business. These include the donation of about 500 bags of garri and Semovita to vulnerable persons with disabilities, as well as the production of 10,000 exercise books for distribution to special schools across the North Central region.

 

 

 

The APC disability leader also disclosed that he recently purchased 40 wheelchairs worth about N3 million for persons with disabilities in Benue State through the Beautiful Gate rehabilitation centre in Jos. However, he noted that requests for similar assistance have continued to pour in from neighbouring states, including Niger, Kwara and Kogi.

 

 

 

“I receive pictures and messages daily from people who desperately need wheelchairs. Many cannot move around because they don’t have mobility aids,” he said.

 

 

 

Aondofa appealed to the APC national leadership to support disability-focused programmes by providing mobility aids, relief materials and improved welfare for special schools, many of which he described as poorly managed and lacking adequate facilities.

 

 

 

While commending President Tinubu for ongoing infrastructural development across the country, he urged the Federal Government to pay greater attention to the needs of persons with disabilities.

 

 

 

“He is working so hard. You can see construction and development across Nigeria. But persons with disabilities also need support, especially with mobility. If we can get at least 500 wheelchairs for North Central, it will make a significant difference,” he said.

 

 

 

He stressed that improved mobility would enable persons with disabilities to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), participate actively in politics and contribute to the APC’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

 

 

Aondofa revealed that the APC disability structure in the North Central has officials across the six states, but many are unable to effectively carry out mobilisation due to mobility challenges.

 

 

 

He reaffirmed his commitment to empowering persons with disabilities despite limited resources, noting that his humanitarian interventions are funded entirely from his profession as a shoe designer.

 

 

“I make shoes for a living, and that is what I use to finance these programmes. I believe with the support of the party and government, we can do much more for persons with disabilities,” he said.