Patients at the Leper’s Colony, Iberekodo, Abeokuta, capital of Ogun state, have cried out for assistance over the well being and education of their children.
The lepers spoke while receiving some food items from a non-governmental organization, JAW JAW Africa on Friday morning.
Speaking on issues affecting them, Secretary of the colony, Folorunso Lukman, called for increased attention of the public and other civil society organisations on their children saying, “We have accepted our cross but please in God’s name help our children.
“Our present situation has frustrated some of our children out of school to learn either a trade or handwork after learning, we still don’t have money for them to start up or buy work tools for them. Please we didn’t bargain for this but it happened, we have accepted our fate.
“We haven’t failed until we can not help our children to make good lives for themselves.”
Also speaking for the lepers, Chairman of the colony, Jimoh Ahmed, advocated for soft loans that can enable those who can still do petty business start some trade.
“Another problem we have here is security, every day we are only sure of going to bed but waking up is God’s doing. Our colony here is too porous. There are exit routes everywhere. Before now there are no houses around us but development has made people build houses all around the colony.
“At night, the whole of this place will be in total darkness exposing us to more risk but what can we do?
“So, if you ask me to make request now, I will appeal for solar street light, even if it is just two that we can get, we will forever be grateful.”
An aged man at the colony, Chairman of the elders council, John Ojuawo, also complained on how cattles destroy their subsistence farm, the situation which has stopped farming in the colony.
Responding, the convener of JAW JAW Africa, Victor Eniola – Mark, requested a data of out of school pupils, students as well as the lists of other pressing issues in the colony.
He noted that the NGO priotises issues affecting children, youths women and the elderly.
Mark promised to place premium urgency on the installation of street light adding that security must come first in all human dealings.
“I’ll also like to tell you that we understand that, this that happened to you is not what you bargained for, we also understand that it can happen to anyone, that is why we are here to tell you that you are not alone.
“We shall be waiting for the list of all the complaints you have made here today for considerations.
” We will work with you and as well with our friends who we know should be able to help in achieving a more comfortable life for you all.”
