Lepers in Ogun lepers’ colony on Tuesday called for an increase in the monthly stipend of N3,000 the government pays them. Mr George Odunawo, the lepers’ spokesman made the call when members of Ogun NUJ visited the lepers’ settlement in Abeokuta as parts of activities marking the 2012 NUJ Press Week. Odunawo said the lepers need better welfare package as well as improved living conditions.
“The government should not forget us here as most of us are aged.”
Speaking at the colony, the Chairman of Ogun NUJ, Mr. Wole Sokunbi pointed out how important it is for government and public spirited individuals to come to the aid of the needy.
The Chairperson of the press week committee, Mrs. Folake Adeniji also said the society needed to extend hands of fellowship to the lepers. Bags of rice, groundnut oil and toiletries were later presented to Odunawo for the members of the colony.