Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Bayelsa have called for their inclusion in benefits accruing to oil-host communities under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The demand was made during a courtesy visit to King Wapaebiama Amakiri of Obhal-Emeyal Clan in Ogbia Local Government Area. PWD coordinator Philip Godfrey said people living with disabilities had been excluded from the Host Community Development Trust Fund benefit structure.
Godfrey said some PWDs come from oil-producing communities and also experience the effects of pollution. He argued that they should therefore have an opportunity to benefit from oil exploration in their communities.
Responding, King Amakiri said disability should not be treated as a reason to disadvantage people living with disabilities. He said he would discuss the issue with other traditional rulers responsible for oil-producing communities in the clan, noting that pollution affects both PWDs and other residents.
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