…as Katamaran, Hispaniola X Decks donate foodstuffs, medicines, others to orphanage
National Association of Seadogs, popularly known as the Pyrates Confraternity, Katamaran Deck, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State and the Hispaniola X Deck, has challenged government at all levels and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to increase the levels of their assistance to Nigerians living with disabilities.
The two decks stated this in commemoration of the 2023 International Day of Persons With Disabilities, which had the theme, “United in Action To Rescue And Achieve SDGs for, with and by Persons With Disabilities.”
On Saturday, as part of the activities to commemorate the special day, both Katamaran and Hispaniola X Decks of the Pyrates’ Confraternity located in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria and Lagos, respectively, jointly donated foodstuffs and other food materials as well as pharmaceutical drugs to the Eruobodo Orphanage home, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.
Speaking on the special day, Capoon of the Katamaran Deck comprising Ijebu and Remo lands with secretariat in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, Mr Olugbenga Otunba-Payne, said citizens living with disabilities are faced with far more serious challenges and should be offered adequate help and assistance in terms of their provisions and other needs by government at local, state and Federal levels as well as the various NGOs.
Otunba-Payne stressed the need for the society to demonstrate their humanity towards the PWDs by upholding and promoting their dignity and assisting other less privileged persons in our various communities.
He, therefore, noted that the donations by both Katamaran and Hispaniola X Decks to the orphanage were aimed at providing relief and easing the burden of the PWDs living in the home.
The Katamaran Deck capoon added that both decks decided to collaborate on visiting the orphanage home to donate the food items and other materials in order to empathise with the PWDs.
He said that since discrimination against people living with disabilities is still a serious issue in the society, the special day should not only be a celebration, but an opportunity for all Nigerians to stop to examine their attitudes and dispositions towards PWDs with a view to joining hands with others to end the menace.
Otunba-Payne wondered whether the plight of people living with disabilities is taken into consideration when it comes to making laws for the society, particularly regarding their accessibility to community facilities.
He stated that government can make a big difference regarding the situation of PWDs to give them a sense of belonging.
The Katamaran Deck Capoon expressed regrets that people living with disabilities are still being neglected by both government and the society at large.
He stressed that people with disabilities are members of the larger society, who should be carried along in everything rather than being neglected and discriminated against.
He therefore urged all Nigerians to ensure they are a partaker in the process of offering adequate assistance to PWDs in the country.
He said Eruobodo Orphanage Home was one of such homes Katamaran visits regularly to offer one assistance or the other to the inmates with a view to providing relief and lightening the burden of the PWDs.
He added, “We are here as we used to do regularly to commemorate the International Day of Persons Living with Disabilities; this time round with Hispaniola X Deck. This act is our commitment to showcase our humanity, give fellow humans dignity and also help the less privileged in our community.
“We equally want to use the opportunity as usual to continue to put a spotlight on this Eruobodo Home for special needs and also call on government agencies, NGOs to step up their game and ensure the provision of adequate healthcare facilities and social amenities for the home.
“As members of the National Association of Seadogs, we’re out here to reach out and as well speak for people with disabilities, that they also deserve all what the able bodied get like every other people in the society.”
Otunba-Payne appreciated the management of the orphanage for all they’ve been doing to assist the inmates, promising that the deck would go a step further by involving people who can help either in supplying drugs or medical aids.
Scribe of the Hispaniola X Deck applauded the home’s management for a job well done regarding the inmates.
He expressed the readiness of the deck to offer job assistance to some inmates of the home currently observing the one year National Youth Service Corps scheme through the Federal Government provision for PWDs.
On his part, Capoon of the Hispaniola X Deck, Mr Pius Isume, stated that the resilience, courage and unique contributions the PWDs make to the society inspite of their disabilities would continue to be a source of inspiration to everyone.
“Our efforts today in collaboration with members of Katamaran Deck further deepens our resolve that together, we can foster an inclusive society where every person’s potential is recognised and valued, irrespective of their physical impairment,” he said.
Earlier, the Administration Officer of the Eruobodo Orphanage, Mrs Odunsi, was full of appreciation to the members of NAS.
She acknowledged that it was not the first time the home would receive support from the Katamaran Deck, thanking them for their usual support.
She noted that despite the economic crunch in the country, NAS members were still able to donate to the orphanage.
She disclosed that some inmates of the home are currently observing the one year NYSC scheme in various states of the country.
She further disclosed that some inmates of the home have been placed on lifetime therapy/medication.
The NAS members presented various food items and other materials to the orphanage home, including rice, beans, spaghetti, palm oil, vegetable oil, tomato paste, semolina, dried maize, melon, juice drinks, and biscuits, to mention a few.
On 16 December 1992, the General Assembly of the United Nations appealed to Governments around the world to observe December 3 of each year as International Day of people with a disability all over the world.
The aim of observing this day each year is to increase awareness, and understanding, of disability issues, and the gains to be derived from the integration of people with a disability in every aspect of life.