Delta lepers appeal for N30,000 minimum wage, rehabilitation of settlement
People Afflicted with Leprosy (PAL) in Delta State are pleading with the state government to implement a minimum wage of N30,000.
They are also requesting the rehabilitation of the lepers’ settlement to provide them with a sense of belonging and alleviate their financial burden.
In a congratulatory message addressed to the governor-elect, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the lepers expressed their gratitude from their settlement in Eku, Ethiope East Council area of the state.
They commended the outgoing governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, for his unwavering commitment to alleviating the suffering of PALs by consistently providing each of them with a monthly sum of N8,000.
The letter, signed by the Chairman of the ex-lepers, Mr Paul Oke, highlighted the daily hardships faced by their members due to the public’s perception of them.
They emphasized the difficulty in finding acceptance and the struggles they endure to survive, often resorting to menial jobs. In a country where the cost of food and services has skyrocketed, the impact of N8,000 on a PAL and their family is severely limited.
Hence, they appeal to the incoming governor to consider implementing a minimum wage for them, as they were among those who voted for him, and they hope he will not forget their plight.
The lepers expressed confidence in Oborevwori’s ability to excel as he has already demonstrated his competence during his six-year tenure as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
The chairman took the opportunity to commend Governor Okowa for the significant transformation achieved in the state, particularly in areas such as the development of over 2000km of road networks, improvements in healthcare and education, and the implementation of skill acquisition programs, among others.
