The federal government has warned civil servants and beneficiaries of relief items against selling them, stressing that the palliatives were to cushion the effect of economic austerity.

Zubaida Umar, director-general, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), gave the warning on Monday in Abuja, at the commencement of the distribution of food and non-food items to indigent persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Karomajiji Village.

Mrs Umar noted that the relief items were not meant to compensate them for the losses caused by a recent fire in the village but to assist them in getting back on their feet and returning to normal life.

Items distributed included 1,984 bags of 5kg rice, 183 pieces of foam mattresses, and 183 pieces of six-yard wax print for women.

Other items were 183 pieces of blankets, and 183 pieces of five-yard Guinea brocade, 183 pieces of children’s cloth, 183 pieces of women’s cloth, 183 pieces of men’s cloth.

Also distributed were 183 pieces of 21-litre plastic buckets, 183 pieces of plastic plates, 183 pieces of plastic cups, and 183 pieces of plastic spoons.

According to her, this items are not for sale, they are meant to put a smile on the faces of their family members, especially as we prepare to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr at the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“Similarly, it is an expression of the federal government’s concern for the welfare and dignity of the people under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

“Today’s event underscores the mantra that persons with disabilities do not deserve just pity; what they deserve is support to trigger and activate their latent capacities.

“As the saying goes, behind every disability, there is a tremendous ability,” he said.

She sympathised with the recipients on their losses and urged them to make good use of the items provided.

Mrs Umar reiterated NEMA’s commitment to affirming and prioritising the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.

She emphasised that NEMA’s operations, particularly through the vulnerable group care unit and the gender unit, were designed to ensure that no one was left behind, especially in times of disasters and emergencies.

She expressed NEMA’s commitment to supporting those affected by disasters, especially persons with disabilities, and emphasised the need to activate their latent capacities rather than just offering pity.

NEMA’s intervention was in response to a request from the executive secretary, National Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities, James Lalu, following the fire incident in the village.

Mr Lalu in his remarks at the distribution of the relief items, said that the response was timely in view of the economic austerity and Sallah celebration.

He assured the beneficiaries that the government would continue to provide for them and protect them from physical abuse and stigmatisation.

(NAN)