The Honourable Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission, Deaconess Joan Ayo oon, has said that the Commission has a policy for employment of the Physically Challenged.
The Chairman stated this recently in her office while playing host to the visiting Country Representative of German Leprosy and TB Relief Association, Ms Life Velten.
She stated that many categories of Physically Challenged had benefited from this policy.
On the employment of rehabilitated Leprosy patients, the Chairman said that if the rehabilitated patients were physically and medically fit , even though they may have been physically challenged by way of loss of limbs, if they were no longer patients and are prima facie qualified, they would be considered whenever vacancies are available.
The Chairman directed relevant department to liaise with Ms Velten with a view to granting her request when it is possible. Earlier, the visiting German Leprosy and TB Relief Association Country Representative, Ms. Velten stated that her visit was to sensitize the Commission on the activities of her Association which according to her had been in the country for the past 50years.
She further said that her Association is based in Enugu and currently working in 14 states of the Southern part of the country. Ms Velten requested the Chairman to consider for employment, rehabilitated Leprosy Patients as they do not have equal opportunity for employment due to stigma.
She pointed out that once the patients commenced treatment, they would no longer pose any threat of infecting people and therefore should not be stigmatized.
On hand to receive the visitor were Commissioners representing Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi, Taraba/ Adamawa, Oyo/ Osun states as well as Directors of Planning, Research and Statistics and Recruitment Departments.
Dr. Joel O. Oruche
Head, Press & Public Relations Unit
