Daud Olatunji
As the world observes World Leprosy Day today, January 27, the leprosy patients in Ogun State have raised their voices in despair, claiming neglect and lack of attention from the state government, particularly under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun.
They expressed deep frustration, stating that despite repeated pleas and years of suffering, the current administration has failed to address their needs and challenges.
A spokesman for the leper colony in Ogun, Jimoh Ahmed, who serves as the Chairman of People with Leprosy in Ogun State, lamented that the government had ignored their plight for several years.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that January 27th is a day dedicated to raising awareness about leprosy and promoting efforts to eliminate the disease.
While speaking exclusively with PLATFORM TIMES,Ahmed said “today is the day that we need to showcase ourselves concerning the problems we are facing, but when we are not considered as a member of the community or human beings, it is painful.
Ahmed emphasized that while previous administrations had shown empathy by organizing annual events and providing stipends to ease their hardship, the current government has done little.
“The former government always celebrated us and gave us some form of recognition, but since this government came into power, they have only done it once. That was years ago,” he revealed.
The lepers, who have been pleading with the government for assistance, said they have faced constant neglect.
PLATFORM TIMES further reports that the stipends they rely on, which were initially increased from N3,000 to N10,000 under former Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun in 2013, have not been reviewed in over a decade, despite ongoing requests for an increase.
They claim the financial support is insufficient and fails to meet the growing needs of the community.
“We feel ashamed and neglected. “We have been ignored by the government, and nothing has been done to address the challenges we face.”
He went on to highlight the absence of any support or initiatives from the current government, especially as compared to past administrations.
The last meaningful recognition of leprosy sufferers, according to Ahmed, came from former Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s administration, which raised their monthly stipends from N3,000 to N10,000 in 2013.
However, since then, no further increase has been made, despite repeated appeals.
“We have written countless letters and had numerous discussions with the Ministry of Health and Women Affairs, but nothing has changed,” Ahmed added.
“We are still facing severe hardships, and the stipends have not been adjusted to match the rising cost of living.
“For over five years now, we have been writing letters to the government, but nothing has been done.
“The stipend was supposed to be increased long ago. We met with the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, back in June, and she assured us that action would be taken, but since then, nothing has changed,” Ahmed lamented.
The leprosy patients also raised concerns about stigma and the lack of public awareness regarding leprosy as a curable disease.
Ahmed called for better education to dispel myths and reduce societal discrimination. “Leprosy is curable, and people need to be educated about it.
We want the government to help stop the stigma and encourage those who might be suffering from any skin condition to seek medical attention early,” he said.
Hon. Adijat Adeleye, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, acknowledged the issues raised by the lepers, noting that the Ministry of Health is responsible for the stipends.
She directed inquiries to Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, but as of the time of filing this report, Coker had yet to respond to the questions raised.
PLATFORM TIMES observed that the lepers in the State continue to wait for a response, hoping for a change in their fortunes and for their plight to be recognized by those in power.
It was asking gathered that their call for dignity, respect, and improved living conditions remains unanswered as they mark another World Leprosy Day in silence and sorrow.
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