TheCable

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has provided financial assistance with credit cards of 30,000 each to farmers with disabilities in Anambra state.

The initiative was meant to alleviate the hardship experienced by these farmers because of their sudden migration from coastal areas to internally displaced centres due to floods.

Hezekiah Samuel, the Anambra field coordinator for IOM, spoke with the farmers at the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission (ASDRC) in Awka, the state capital.

He emphasised IOM’s role as a UN migration organisation which supports people affected by floods across Nigeria, with the view to promoting humane and orderly migration.

“We understand that persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable during natural disasters,” he said.

“This card contains thirty thousand naira. A special PIN has been provided for withdrawal. It’s IOM’s way of lending a helping hand to alleviate the hardship caused by the last flooding.”

Thomas Mark Onugbolu, from the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA), implored the farmers to utilise the opportunity. He appreciated IOM for its transparent project execution.

Ikechukwu Ezeokafor, a representative of the farmers, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD), Anambra state chapter, thanked IOM and said they are looking forward to future engagements.

Chuks Ezewuzie, chairman, ASDRC, commended Chris Azor, the chairman of Anambra state network of civil societies, for notifying IOM about the commission.

Azor said the partnership marks the first of its kind for the commission and stated that the organisation is ready for future collaborations.